Local

Mold discovered in Gaston County school

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — With school starting in less than two weeks, crews are scrubbing down a Gaston County high school after mold was discovered inside.

Eyewitness News reporter Ken Lemon talked to leaders and parents at Forestview High School about whether it will be ready in time.

Students are already on campus for freshman orientation and senior pictures but they are not on B Hall, where mold was found in several classes earlier this week.

Mold is on the back of a microwave in one classroom and on desks and books.

Parent Amy Whitaker heard there was mold in her son's school, and said she is "very disturbed."

Her son was diagnosed with leukemia not long after black mold was discovered in their home.

He is in remission now.

"I'm very concerned and want to know more details," Whitaker said.

School officials said they test air quality regularly and there were no signs of mold Thursday.

They believe recent heavy rain and turning on their air conditioner created humidity problems.

"We are doing everything we can to eliminate the problem,” school district spokesman Todd Hagans said.

The school has janitorial staff and teachers using bleach to wipe down classrooms.

Cleaning companies said that could enough, depending on the source of the mold.

School officials said they will make sure this works.

"Now that we have people back in the building, we have more eyes that can check and can see if there are any issues," Hagans said.

They will continue to monitor air quality.

"The safety of our children should be your utmost priority," Whitaker said.

Whitaker said school officials need to assure her there is no mold here before her son can come back for class.