Parents Raise Concerns After Classroom Relocations at Oasis Elementary Following Deep Cleaning

Parents at Oasis Elementary School in Thermal are raising questions after some students were temporarily relocated from classrooms following a deep cleaning at the campus.

According to the Coachella Valley Unified School District, the cleaning took place Wednesday after school hours. District officials say the products used are approved for classroom and school environments.

Out of an abundance of caution, students from the affected classrooms were temporarily moved to other areas of the campus.

Despite the district’s assurances, the situation caused concern among some parents who said they noticed several service vehicles outside the school during pickup and were unsure what was happening.

District officials say the local fire department visited the campus and confirmed that the buildings are safe.

The cleaning comes as the district has recently dealt with toxic mold findings at two other schools in Thermal — John Kelley Elementary School and Desert Mirage High School.

Meanwhile, the Coachella Valley Unified School District is also holding a special board meeting to discuss potential staff layoffs. Superintendent Frances Esparza previously said between 29 and 30 staff members could be affected as the district moves forward with a $25.4 million budget reduction plan over the next three years.