Whistleblower Exposes Decades of Neglect

Monessen City School District is preparing to welcome students back to its middle and high school buildings on November 16, following an eight-week closure due to mold concerns. These buildings were initially shut down at the start of the school year after fungal growth was discovered on materials in several rooms.

A former supervisor of buildings and grounds for the district, Ed Szmed, has come forward with documents and video evidence, asserting that the issues of mold and structural damage have plagued the schools for over 20 years. Szmed, who resigned on October 31 due to ongoing safety concerns, stated that the buildings should be condemned and are unfit for students.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Motte acknowledged some issues during a tour in early November, showing where custodians had addressed some problems. However, Szmed disputes the effectiveness of the remediation, particularly in the gymnasium, where he claims no mold abatement was performed despite its recent reopening for practices.

Questions have also arisen regarding the qualifications of the company hired for remediation, Alliance Properties Group (APG). School board minutes show APG was contracted for $330,446 to address mold and water infiltration. However, KDKA Investigates found APG lacks specific mold remediation certifications, with the work allegedly subcontracted to Ritenour and Sons, who provided employees with a brief mold awareness course.

Concerns about the school's structural integrity also persist. Szmed pointed out a buckling wall in a classroom, attributed by the superintendent to shifting ground from the school's construction on a former landfill. While a letter to parents stated structural issues were resolved, Szmed believes problems remain unresolved, citing "neglect after neglect" within the district.

Similar issues have a long history at the elementary school, with reports from over 20 years ago indicating persistent moisture and mold problems, particularly in the library. Szmed's resignation letter cited "ongoing concerns about building safety, maintenance, and the timely resolution of identified deficiencies" as reasons for his departure.