Oconee County residents demand mold testing amid school safety concerns

The Oconee County Board of Education held a regular session on May 12, 2025, where significant concerns regarding school safety and transparency were raised by community members. The meeting featured public comments from several residents, primarily focused on issues related to mold in schools and the board's compliance with open records laws.

Caitlin Farmer, a local resident and graduate of North Oconee High School, expressed her frustration over the school district's alleged failure to comply with open records and open meetings laws. She highlighted repeated difficulties in obtaining public documents and criticized the lack of a records management policy, which she deemed illegal. Farmer urged the board to take immediate action to rectify these issues, emphasizing the importance of transparency in governance.

Mandy Moriera and Brandy Herndon, both parents of students at Oconee County Elementary School, voiced their concerns about potential mold problems affecting the health of students and staff. Moriera reported that teachers were resigning due to health issues linked to mold exposure and called for professional mold testing in the school. Herndon echoed these sentiments, recalling previous meetings where mold issues were discussed but not adequately addressed. She demanded independent testing and remediation, stating that parents were willing to fund such efforts if necessary.

Another speaker, Meryl Herr, highlighted the broader implications of the district's handling of mold concerns, suggesting that a toxic work culture was contributing to staff resignations and negatively impacting the educational environment. She urged the board to foster a more supportive atmosphere for employees, which she argued would ultimately benefit students.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between the school board and the community, with residents calling for accountability and action on pressing health and transparency issues. The board's response to these concerns will be crucial in shaping the future relationship between the district and its stakeholders.