WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- A federal civil rights complaint has been filed over problems with mold, water leaks and air quality at Ashley Academy in Winston-Salem.

• Parents and staff say it's impacting the health of students and teachers
• The "Action4Ashley" filed the discrimination complaint with the U.S. Education Department
• The next step is for the board of education to submit a voluntary resolution

Parents and staff say it's impacting the health of students and teachers.

The "Action4Ashley" filed the discrimination complaint with the U.S. Education Department saying the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System and board of education failed to address complaints about the problems and feel it has to do with the fact that the school predominately serves students of color.

Attorney for the Southern Coalition for Justice, Peggy Nicholson, says, "The federal law makes clear that education is a right that has to be available to all children on equal terms, and that includes the access to clean, well-maintained and safe school environments."

School officials say they have already taken action by replacing the buildings air conditioning system and addressing roof issues that were causing moisture problems.

They declined to comment on the legal proceeding recently filed but issued a statement saying "The work is complete, clean-up is happening this week...parents will get a chance to hear about all the work and see the renovations and changes at Ashley and other schools during Elementary Open House on Aug. 23."

The next step is for the board of education to submit a voluntary resolution. If it's not resolved the Office for Civil Rights could restrict funding to the district or defer the case to the Department of Justice.