Waterford School District Closed Because Of Mold

WATERFORD, N.J (CBS) - The Waterford School District is closed after Camden County health inspectors discovered mold in eight classrooms. The clean up will cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Authorities discovered the mold in Waterford Elementary School on Old Whitehouse Pike. Even though the two other schools in the district, Atco Elementary and Thomas Richards Elementary, appear to be safe, School Superintendent Newlin Schoener says the Board decided to close all of the schools for testing.

"We're trying to salvage some of the more expensive textbooks that we've been working with to keep them in circulation. But, the ceiling tiles will all be removed," Schoener explained.

He says the testing will run $10,000 and the cleanup will cost more than $175,000 - money the school district just does not have.

School District officials say the schools will be closed until Wednesday at the very least.

Authorities discovered mold in three schools in Willingboro Township last month.

Reported by Cherri Gregg, KYW Newsradio 1060