CLEVELAND, Ohio — A group of five parents from the now-closed Newton D. Baker School of the Arts has initiated legal action against the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. They claim the institution failed to address serious mold problems within the school building, posing health risks to students and staff.
The district’s board of education made the decision to shut down the school in April, citing structural problems, prohibitive repair costs, and the building’s age as contributing factors. Specifically, the school has faced issues with its ceiling and foundation, leading to flooding earlier this year during heavy rains.
Filed on August 4 in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, the lawsuit alleges that untreated mold has caused students and staff to experience various health issues, including headaches, flu-like symptoms, and sinus infections.
In response to the lawsuit, the district acknowledged receipt of the legal documents but did not offer detailed comments. Instead, they stated that the situation has been forwarded to legal counsel and will be addressed appropriately.
Before deciding to close the school, district officials had an inspection conducted on the roof and consulted an environmental expert to assess air quality after the flooding. Although an analysis concluded there was no airborne black mold, surface sample swabs were still pending at the time families were informed in an April 9 letter. The Cleveland Department of Public Health’s director had stated the school was safe to inhabit.
Airborne black mold was initially found in the school’s cafeteria and one classroom. However, after remediation efforts, the environmental consultant reported on April 8 that airborne mold was no longer present.
Concerned parents like Stephanie Lane, whose 14-year-old son attended the school, noted that many students had suffered from respiratory ailments since returning to in-person instruction in 2022. Lane highlighted the persistent health challenges that plagued not only her son but also classmates and local families.
Lane further expressed her concern over the district’s perceived lack of transparency. She stated that students and parents had been worried about the school’s condition for several years, particularly as some health issues seemed to escalate after students were relocated to the second floor.
The lawsuit underscores a broader apprehension regarding the maintenance of older school buildings within the district, with Lane questioning whether similar issues might be present in other facilities.
Despite the structural challenges, Lane described Newton D. Baker as a unique institution that fostered artistic talent, allowing students to hone their skills in areas such as art, music, and dance. “It was a gem in West Park,” she said, lamenting the loss of a school that provided significant opportunities for creative expression.
During the board meeting on April 15, CMSD CEO Warren Morgan acknowledged the hazardous conditions of the building. He indicated uncertainty about the building’s ability to withstand future weather conditions, particularly as the district prepares for upcoming school years.
The parents’ lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks more than $250,000 in damages for each plaintiff.
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