Parents Protest Outside CVUSD Headquarters Over Mold at John Kelley Elementary, Lawsuits Planned

Parents and legal representatives protested outside the Coachella Valley Unified School District headquarters this morning, demanding transparency and immediate action following the discovery of mold inside classrooms at John Kelley Elementary School.

The protest comes weeks after district officials confirmed mold was found in classrooms designated for special needs students. Parents say concerns first surfaced in December after a foul smell was reported in rooms serving some of the district’s most vulnerable children, including nonverbal students with special needs.

According to the district, environmental experts were brought in to inspect the affected classrooms. Officials say flooring and drywall were replaced during winter break and that approximately 30 additional areas across the campus were tested, with no mold detected elsewhere. The district maintains that remediation and construction work resolved the issue before students returned to class.

Parents say those steps were not enough. Families and their attorney gathered outside district offices, accusing CVUSD of delayed communication and a lack of transparency about how long the mold may have been present. The attorney representing the families said at least seven lawsuits are being prepared, with government claims already filed as the first step in the legal process.

Several parents shared emotional testimonies, alleging their children experienced health symptoms related to mold exposure. They emphasized that many of the affected students are unable to advocate for themselves, making transparency and swift action critical.

Superintendent Francis Esparza briefly addressed reporters, stating the district acted as soon as concerns were brought forward and that remediation occurred because of parent complaints. She said discussions regarding compensation are now a legal matter requiring counsel. Esparza also said the district plans to conduct additional mold inspections at other schools within CVUSD.

Parents say they will continue to demand answers and accountability until they feel confident their children are safe.

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