Classrooms at Fuerte Elementary in El Cajon are so plagued by mold, mildew, rodents and cockroaches that some families are pulling their kids out, while others are demanding a clear plan to fix the place before fall.
According to the New York Post, teachers at the K–5 campus have reported rodent sightings, visible mold and mildew, and recurring cockroach issues. A Change.org petition calling for transparency and repairs had drawn more than 270 signatures. The outlet also reports that several parents have already removed their children from the school, and quoted board member Anthony Carnevale urging that maintenance requests and related documentation be routed directly to the superintendent. Carnevale told the Post the district expects septic problems to be repaired this summer and said he plans to ask the board to publicly share a roadmap for getting schools back into shape.
Fuerte Elementary is part of the Cajon Valley Union School District and is listed at 11625 Fuerte Drive in El Cajon, according to the California Department of Education. The school’s own site offers contact details and a calendar of end-of-year events for families at Fuerte Elementary.
District Response and Board Oversight
Anthony Carnevale is a sitting member of the Cajon Valley governing board, according to his official district profile. He told the New York Post he will push for a public repair timeline and expects some septic work at the campus to be completed over the summer. His district profile confirms his role on the board, which would give him a direct hand in any facilities plan that comes forward.
Health Risks and Federal Guidance
Public-health authorities warn that mold and damp conditions in school buildings can trigger coughing, wheezing and other respiratory symptoms in children, and can make asthma worse for students who are sensitive. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s school mold guide and the Centers for Disease Control both recommend fixing moisture sources, addressing mold quickly and following specific cleanup protocols to protect students and staff during remediation.
For more details on school cleanup and moisture control, families can look to the EPA’s mold remediation resources and the CDC’s mold information pages, which outline health effects and basic cleanup steps.
Why This Fits a Statewide Pattern
Fuerte’s reported problems are not happening in a vacuum. Researchers and state auditors say many California districts are wrestling with a steep backlog of deferred maintenance that leaves campuses vulnerable to leaks, pests and mold. The Public Policy Institute of California and a recent California State Auditor review have both documented facility shortfalls and gaps in custodial staffing that make it harder for local districts to tackle problems quickly.
What Parents Want and What to Watch Next
Parents and caregivers who signed the petition say they want clear repair timelines, access to maintenance records and a public plan in place before the new school year begins. Cajon Valley trustees are likely to face pointed questions at upcoming board meetings. This story will be updated if the Cajon Valley Union School District releases a facilities plan or if the governing board schedules a specific public response.
