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Parent urges independent environmental testing after alleged HVAC problems at elementary schools
Summary
A resident submitted photos, videos and work orders alleging deteriorating HVAC materials, particulate discharge and biological growth in several elementary schools and asked the board to authorize independent environmental testing; the district said it received the materials and is looking into the complaints.
A resident told the Middletown Township Public School District board that she submitted a formal letter and supporting documentation alleging environmental health and safety concerns in multiple elementary schools and asked the board to authorize independent environmental testing.
Rebecca Lara told the board she submitted photographs, videos, work-order documentation and a report from a former district HVAC maintenance mechanic saying the mechanic had documented deteriorating HVAC interior materials, particulate discharge into occupied classrooms, visible moisture and biological growth at Harmony, and crawl-space flooding and deteriorating conditions at other elementary schools, which she named as View, Harmony and Lincroft. She said the mechanic documented his concerns in the district's system and that "shortly after escalating those concerns, internally, his employment ended." Lara said the materials were provided to the board the day before the meeting and that independent testing and professional evaluation were "absolutely necessary at this point to determine the precise nature and extent of any issues that may exist." (Rebecca Lara)
Board officials acknowledged receipt of the submission during the meeting and said the district was "looking into it." A resident, Joe Fitzgerald, asked whether the board had received an email he sent the previous morning; the board replied that it had and that the matter was being investigated. Another resident, Ashley Stood, asked about the district's community engagement in the budget process and whether new board members are working to improve outreach; board members noted a forthcoming presentation on strategic planning at the next meeting. Katie Little said she had signed up for the strategic planning steering committee and asked how the district would handle contact information collected via the sign-up form.
Why it matters: The comments raise potential health and maintenance concerns in occupied school buildings and allege both observable conditions and a staff complaint that was followed by termination of employment. The commenter requested independent, professional testing to determine whether students and staff face environmental health risks.
What the board said: The board confirmed receipt of the materials and said it was looking into the matter. The meeting record does not show the board authorizing independent testing, specifying a testing vendor, or announcing a timeline for further action during this session.
Next steps: The meeting did not include an explicit board directive to commission independent testing. Residents seeking a formal response or an independent evaluation should request follow-up in writing to the board or await minutes and administrative follow-up.
