CHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT

50 NORTH ROAD

CHESTER, NEW JERSEY 07930

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Telephone (908) 879-7383

Fax (908) 879-5887

Dr. Christina Van Woert Melissa Simmons

Superintendent of Schools Business Administrator/Board Secretary

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Dear Parents and/or Guardians,

I wanted to inform you that in investigating the source of a leak in the Dickerson School gymnasium, we discovered that there is moisture in the ceiling in the alcove that faces Bragg School. We contacted consultants from R.K. Occupational and Environmental Analysis, Inc. to investigate further. Upon visiting the site, it was determined that the ceiling in this area is wet and needs to be removed. They will need to isolate area with in order to examine the ceiling more closely.

Moisture was also noted in the wall and gym floor in the corner of the gym adjacent to the alcove. This will require further investigation as to the sources of moisture creating wet conditions.

Our consultant does not believe there is any exposure to unusual fungal population to the staff and students since any fungi would have been contained above ceiling, inside the wall and under the floor and sealed from staff and students. He also noted that these conditions appear only in this specific alcove of the gymnasium. However, when remediation is completed and the situation is rectified, post-remediation verification will be conducted as our final step in the area and adjacent rooms to ensure that the air quality is sound.

At this time, we have been informed that students may still use the facility while this investigation is being completed. The area of the gym in question will not be used until this situation is rectified.

This investigation has commenced and we will share updated information for you immediately upon learning the results. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Respectfully,

Christina Van Woert, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools