We, the undersigned parents, guardians, and community members, care deeply about the health and safety of the students and staff at Oconee County Elementary School.

Concerns have been raised by school staff about the potential presence of mold in the building — concerns that are reinforced by reports of health symptoms among teachers. While the district plans to replace flooring in response to these concerns, they have stated that professional mold testing is not necessary.

We believe that skipping professional testing puts both students and staff at continued risk. Replacing the flooring without identifying and addressing possible mold issues could mask — not solve — the underlying problem. Our teachers and staff deserve a healthy environment and to have their concerns taken seriously.

As parents, we are not only advocating for mold testing — we are willing to contribute to making it happen. If funding is a barrier, we are ready to help raise or contribute the necessary resources to ensure professional, independent mold testing takes place before any construction begins.

We respectfully urge the school district to:

• Conduct professional mold testing before flooring is replaced
• Share results transparently with staff and families
• Remediate any identified issues to ensure a safe learning environment

This is not just about floors — it’s about trust, health, and doing right by the people who make our school community strong.

Let’s move forward together — with testing, transparency, and care.