Fungus Closes Hackettstown Elementary School

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — Willow Grove School in Hackettstown has been closed due to fungus in classrooms, Superintendent of Schools David Mango said in a letter to parents. The closures could last through next week.

All WGS students stayed home Thursday, while teachers reported to Hackettstown Middle School. All students and teachers will report to the middle school at their normal time, Mango said. It was unclear how the elementary school classes would fit into the middle school.

Depending on the severity of the fungus, the school could remain closed through next week. If that's the case, more information will be sent home to parents, Mango said.

13 classrooms will have to be cleaned entirely, and another five are being monitored. High humidity and poor ventilation lead to the fungus build-up, Mango said.

Outside environmental consultants are monitoring the building, and the Warren County Offices of Education and Health Department have been made aware of the situation.

Mango did not yet respond to Patch's request for more information.

Hatchery Hill Elementary School, Hackettstown High School, and Hackettstown Middle School had classes as scheduled on Thursday.

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