News Summary
Explorer Academy in Cabell County has postponed the start of classes due to mold detection within its facility. The decision was made after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of mold spores, prompting a temporary closure for thorough cleaning and remediation. The school prioritizes safety and is working with professionals to ensure a healthy environment for students and staff. Further updates on the new start date will follow once cleaning and testing are completed.
Cabell County Delays School Start at Explorer Academy Following Mold Detection
Huntington, West Virginia — Explorer Academy, a school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade in Cabell County, has announced a delay in the start of its academic year due to concerns over mold presence within the school facility. The new start date has not yet been finalized.
Initial Detection and Response
The issue emerged last week when school officials received reports of possible mold in the building. On Wednesday, August 6, concerns were formally raised, prompting immediate action. A professional mold remediation company was engaged to investigate the extent of the problem. The company conducted air quality testing at the school on Thursday, August 7, with results expedited to a laboratory for quicker analysis.
Test Results and Findings
The laboratory analysis revealed the presence of two common outdoor mold spores: Penicillium and Cladosporium. While these molds are typically found in outdoor environments, their presence indoors suggests a possible moisture or ventilation issue, raising health and safety concerns for students and staff.
Decisions on School Operations
Following the mold testing, the school’s administrators faced a decision. Although the remediation company recommended using foggers in affected rooms as a method to disinfect areas without requiring full closure, officials prioritized safety. They opted to close the school temporarily to facilitate thorough cleaning and to protect everyone on campus.
Impact on Schedule and Events
The first day of classes, originally slated for Wednesday, August 12, has been postponed. Additionally, kindergarten orientation, which was set to occur alongside the initial start date, will also be delayed. The new date for classes is yet to be determined, until cleaning and testing confirm that it is safe for students and staff to return.
Meanwhile, the Open House event scheduled for Tuesday evening is still planned to proceed, but it will be held in an unaffected area of the building. Attendees will be directed to entry and exit points that are deemed safe, ensuring safety during the event.
Next Steps and Monitoring
Cabell County Schools (CCS) has committed to ongoing monitoring of the situation. After school cleaning professionals have been engaged to perform thorough cleaning and rettesting of relevant areas, they will only allow students and staff to return once air quality and environmental conditions meet safety standards.
Principal Ryan McKenzie will oversee staffing arrangements during the closure period, providing guidance on assignments and preparations for when the school reopens.
Further updates will be issued by CCS as they receive more information and complete the necessary cleaning and testing processes. The district emphasizes its commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment and ensuring minimal disruption to students’ educational experiences.
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Additional Resources
- WV MetroNews: Cabell County School First Day Delayed Due to Mold
- Wikipedia: Mold
- WCHS TV: Cabell County School Postpones First Day of Classes After Mold Found
- Google Search: Mold in Schools
- WSAZ: Mold Issues Postpone First Day of School at One Facility
- Google Scholar: Mold Exposure Health Effects
- WOWK TV: Explorer Academy Delays First Day of School Due to Mold
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mold
- Herald-Dispatch: Explorer Academy Opening Delayed Due to Mold
- Google News: Mold School Delays
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