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GREENSBORO — Guilford County Schools is working to address employee complaints about environmental health issues at Oak Ridge Elementary School, system officials said Thursday.

The Department of Labor notified the district several days ago that it had received complaints from school employees and wanted the district to spell out its action plan.

The complaints said employees are being exposed to mold inside the heating and air-conditioning system, walls and carpet, and that is causing illnesses ranging from skin rashes to fatigue and nose bleeds.

The labor department letter notes that it has not investigated the claims but indicates the school system must show that it is taking action to address the allegations.

In the letter sent to labor officials, the school system said it is working with private contractors as well as with the county health department and state Department of Public Instruction.

Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green said Thursday the school system is continuing its efforts to find and address whatever issues may be making people sick at the school.

“I think we’ve been responsive to the request,” Green said about the labor department notification. “We want to make sure we’ve provided the information they’ve requested.”

Green noted the school also asked the labor department for any assistance or input they can share.

School officials have said they have requested assistance from National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, a government agency under the umbrella of the Centers for Disease Control.

The school system also has requested assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Employees and parents have complained the school causes illnesses since 2005, after the school underwent major renovations and new construction.

Mold has been found on at least two separate occasions since 2005.

The school system reports spending more than $600,000 to address mold and other issues at the school so far, including the addition of a dehumidification system.

The school board voted earlier this month to set aside nearly $500,000 in the 2009-10 budget to address any future issues.

The school is closed this summer — administrators there have been relocated — while work is being done. Also, school officials are working out contingency plans in case students are unable to return for the start of school Aug. 25.

Contact J. Brian Ewing at 373-7351 or brian.ewing@news-record.com