Elementary school in Hatch shut down due to mold

October 4, 2006

By Gibbs/Sun-News reporter

Las Cruces Sun-News - Las Cruces,NM,

LAS CRUCES — The youngest students in Hatch Valley Public Schools

are still feeling the effects of this summer's devastating floods.

Kindergarten through second-graders who would normally be in class

at Hatch Elementary School have been shuttled to alternate schools

while the district struggles to deal with mold issues due to the

flooding, according to city officials.

Calls to the district seeking information about the public health

threat and the redistribution of students were not returned Tuesday

or Wednesday morning. Some 240 students are impacted by the

situation.

Hatch Mayor Judd Nordyke, speaking Tuesday in Las Cruces — the day

after students were evacuated — said the elementary school had been

closed down Monday.

" As of (Monday) we had to close down Hatch Elementary because of

mold, " Nordyke said. " Those kids were evacuated from that school and

now they are going elsewhere around the other four campuses. "

A district employee said students were expected back to the campus

on Oct. 10.

The district buildings sustained severe damage during the mid-August

breach of Las Placitas Arroyo, which sent floodwaters through the

village north of Las Cruces.

The school district delayed the beginning of school for all students

by 12 days to allow time to clean up campuses. Shortly after the

floods, Superintendent Dane Kennon reported plans to shuttle

students from Hatch Elementary to other campuses. After inspecting

damage, he reported Hatch Elementary would be ready to receive

students one week after all other students returned to classes.

Monday, according to Nordyke, students from the school located at

107 Adam St. in Hatch were evacuated and moved to other campuses due

to a mold infestation.

Gibbs can be reached at jgibbs@...

Recommended Posts