A Palm Beach County teacher says unsafe conditions in her classroom caused long-term health problems, and she is now suing the school district.
In a lawsuit filed on August 17, Bonnie Morris, a second-grade teacher at Jupiter Elementary School, said repeated exposure to mold and moisture in her classroom made her chronically ill, according to Boca Post.
Here's what to know
Morris alleges the district kept her working in rooms with serious moisture and alleged mold issues without properly investigating, fixing, or warning her about the conditions, Boca Post reported.
Morris claims her current medical issues were not present before, and links extended time in the classroom to headaches, congestion, trouble thinking, hair loss, fatigue, nausea, and continuing breathing problems.
The case includes a negligence claim and asks for more than $50,000 in damages, plus attorney's fees, costs, and a jury trial, according to Boca Post.
Morris' complaint cites the inspection findings as evidence of water intrusion that was not properly remediated. But the same district memos also said inspectors did not see mold on classroom surfaces, as Boca Post reported, highlighting the divide between her allegations and the official inspection records.
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That conflict is likely to matter as the lawsuit proceeds.
What's being done?
At the heart of the lawsuit is a question for a jury: whether the school district failed to maintain a safe workplace and whether that alleged failure caused Morris' injuries.
The filings also indicate the district took some documented action after the inspections. One memo said a work order should be issued to repair leaks at the classroom sink drain, and another said an outside restoration company was brought in to address water-damaged drywall, Boca Post reported.
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