The East Ramapo school district has been cited for “possible mold” in two buildings, after an anonymous employee complaint prompted an inspection, according to June 5 reports by the state Department of Labor.

The staff member complained about mold, vermin, questionable air quality and leaky roofs in three school buildings, but the “possible mold” was the only one of four “alleged hazards” inspectors were able to find evidence of, according to the reports.

“All four (hazards) were not found,” Superintendent of Schools Joel Klein said Monday. “There was a possibility for mold. There is absolutely no vermin and absolutely no unsafe air quality.”

“The schools are absolutely safe,” he said. “Students and staff are not in danger.”

Klein disputed news reports over the weekend of mold, vermin and unsafe air quality in the schools that were based on a letter from the state to the complainant.

“It’s inaccurate. It’s misleading, and it’s very, very damaging,” Klein said.

The state inspection reports said “black/green spots (possible mold)” were found in the AV room at Ramapo High School and “black/gray spots (possible mold)” were found on a windowsill in Room 111 at Pomona Middle School.

Inspectors also noted water stains on ceiling tiles and traces of carbon dioxide in several rooms, but the conditions were not serious and no violations were issued, according to the reports.

A third report on Chestnut Ridge Middle School is pending.

According to the state reports, the district has until July 22 to clean up the problem areas and officials will re-inspect to ensure compliance. No fines will be issued as long as the problems are addressed in the specified amount of time, the reports say.

Klein said the areas were immediately cleaned and the walls repainted after the two inspections, which occurred March 19 and April 9 following the employee’s complaint March 4.

A letter to parents was being sent out in response to students, staff and parents who were alarmed by news reports Sunday, including an article in The Journal News, about the inspection, Klein said.

(The Journal News)