During a recent Board of Education meeting, educators, parents, and students from Wilbur Cross High School voiced urgent concerns regarding the deteriorating conditions of their school facilities. The meeting highlighted significant issues such as mold infestations, inadequate HVAC systems, and general neglect that have left classrooms uncomfortable and unsafe for learning.

Dario Solsman, an English teacher at Wilbur Cross, passionately described the impact of these conditions on both teachers and students. He expressed frustration over persistent leaks, temperature control issues, and the closure of essential resources like the school library due to mold. Solsman emphasized that the neglect of school facilities reflects a broader societal issue, stating, \"We have plenty of money in this city. We don't have a money problem. We have a power problem.\"

Leslie Blato, president of the New Haven Federation of Teachers, echoed these sentiments, questioning why the school was allowed to open under such conditions and calling for the formation of a safety and facilities task force that includes parents and students. She criticized the lack of responsiveness from the school administration and demanded immediate action to address the pressing maintenance issues.

Jake Halpern, president of the Wilbur Cross Parent Teacher Association, shared personal anecdotes about the school's failing infrastructure, including a lack of functioning kitchens and closed music rooms. He described the situation as a crisis, urging the board to take decisive action to restore the school's facilities.

Maria Lara Tejero, a parent and vice president of the PTSO, highlighted the school's diverse student body and the urgent need for repairs to ensure a safe learning environment. She called for increased capital funding from both the city and state to address the long-standing issues.

Students also took the floor, with Henry Mead detailing the pervasive mold problem and the overall decay of the building. He stressed that the responsibility for maintaining the school should not fall on teachers and staff but rather on the institutions tasked with its upkeep.

The meeting concluded with a collective call for action, as community members expressed their determination to advocate for the necessary resources and support to ensure that Wilbur Cross High School can provide a safe and conducive learning environment for all its students.