A Claremont High School staff member has filed a Williams Complaint with the Claremont Unified School District regarding conditions at CHS. The unidentified employee’s concerns are in regards to the library and other buildings in the 700 quad of the campus, some of which are 60 years old.

The Williams Complaint Process requires that every school district provide a uniform complaint process to deal with complaints regarding insufficient instructional materials, unsafe or unhealthy facility conditions, and teacher vacancies and misassignments.

Kevin Ward, assistant superintendent and compliance officer at Claremont High School, said the complainant expressed concerns with regards to visible signs that may indicate water leakage as well as standing water on roofs after rainstorms.

A second source indicated to the COURIER that the complainant was concerned that leaking and standing water along with stained ceiling tiles may indicate the presence of mold.

Once the complaint was filed on February 28, the school responded immediately in writing, securing a 45-business day period in which to address concerns, according to Mr. Ward. The deadline is May 2.

The school is working with an independent building inspector who has collected samples and is looking into any possible health-threatening problems with the buildings in question. Results are pending. An investigator for the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which was also notified by the complainant, has visited the campus as well.

“The district takes all complaints very seriously and is currently addressing the issues raised in the complaint…,” Mr. Ward said. “When the inspections are complete, the district will immediately address any issues.”

—Sarah Torribio