Officials of the Farmingdale School District confirm that the district is continuing with its lawsuit against former architects and contractors involved with the infrastructure repairs, renovations and new construction at Woodward Parkway Elementary School and Howitt Middle School. The lawsuit is seeking monetary compensation for water, moisture and leak problems being caused by poor design and workmanship. The work was performed as part of a $38.5 million bond referendum approved by Farmingdale School District residents in October 1999.

Problems with the construction date back several years, when moisture buildup and leaks in interior and exterior walls at both schools were detected. According to experts retained by the district, the problems are a result of faulty design and craftsmanship of weep holes, flashing and masonry work. Rectification of the problems may require repair or reconstruction. Ongoing testing of the affected areas of the two schools indicate moisture and leaks remain problematic.

District Takes Aggressive Approach to Mitigate Potential Mold, Mildew Growth

Proactive actions by the Farmingdale School District to keep in check any potential problems related to mold and mildew growth have included:

Targeted cleaning affected classrooms and areas in each of the two schools monthly and after every rainfall, or whenever moisture or leaks are detected;

Targeted cleaning all carpets in affected areas of the two buildings monthly and after every rainfall, or whenever moisture or leaks are detected;

Performing comprehensive testing of the affected areas periodically;

The district said they would will continue to take these and any other temporary remedial actions determined to be appropriate to keep in check any future potential problems from the water, moisture and leak problems in the buildings. It is the district's hope that a favorable outcome to the lawsuit will result in a permanent solution to these issues, the district stated.

If any parent of a child currently enrolled at Woodward Elementary or Howitt Middle School has any concerns, or for more information on these matters, call the superintendent's office at 752-6510.