Breaking Out of Mold, DOE Moves Students After Protests

BEVERLY ROBERTS: ‘Much work still to be done.’ Students at P.S. 106 in The Bronx were transferred out of temporary classroom units Feb. 3, a month after the Department of Education pronounced the trailers safe in response to parent and community-group complaints of toxic mold infestation.

The Parkchester school’s overcrowding problems remain severe, and no permanent plan for housing the children has been agreed upon, but the NAACP’s Parkchester Branch president, Beverly Roberts, who organized much of the protesting against the TCUs, said she was relieved nonetheless.

High Levels of Toxicity

“I commend the president of the Parents’ Association, Desiree McKay, for her leadership and all of the courageous parents at P.S. 106 for their unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of their children,” Ms. Roberts said. Parents began their campaign against the 14-year-old trailer units last September, when high levels of toxicity were discovered and more than 100 cats were found living under the TCUs.

The DOE then inspected and cleaned the units, deeming them fit for children and moving them back in Jan. 4. The limited nature of the inspection sparked protests and drew the attention of the NAACP and the United Federation of Teachers. P.S. 106’s Principal decided to remove the 160 first-to-fourth-graders as a result.

Classes will be held in the science lab and music room until a real solution can be found. “There is much work to be done,” said Ms. Roberts. “We must continue to stay vigilant and work together as parents, educators, community leaders, and elected officials to ensure that our children receive a quality education in a safe environment.”