Local

Mold found for the second time at Stanley Middle School

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Eyewitness News received pictures of mold covering athletic equipment inside a local middle school.

Now, some Stanley Middle School parents are contacting Gaston County leaders asking if their student's health is at risk. On Tuesday, Eyewitness News went straight to the school district and health department for answers.

After the complaint, a representative for the district said maintenance went looking for that mold and found it in the basement.

Eyewitness News learned that this is the second time they have found mold at the school in the past six weeks.

Gaston County schools received a picture from a concerned citizen complaining about mold on athletic equipment at Stanley Middle School. The district investigated on Tuesday found the mold and cleared the area.

"This is an area that is in the basement locked off, an old weight room area locked off. No students use it. It is not used by the school for classes or any reason," said Bonnie Reidy of Gaston County Schools.

Reidy said that she did not know how someone was able to take the pictures.

Reidy later told Eyewitness News the locks were changed and now only two people have access.

Mold was also found in three public areas of the school last month.

Officials cleaned the mess and called in an environmental cleaning company to test for mold spores in the air.

They said the results were normal, but on Tuesday parents told Eyewitness News they are worried.

"Yeah I am concerned about it. I did not know about it, but I do now," said Michelle Webb.

"If they find the source of how it is getting in there and fix the source," said Alan Caver.

One student told Eyewitness News he has seen mold in the past and wants a more permanent fix.

"Last year we saw some on like a ceiling and stuff. I just think its gross nasty and unhealthy for the school."

Eyewitness News reached out to the Health Department, they are going to inspect the school to make sure there are no health concerns for students and teachers.