No mold found at Fort Cherry High School
A musty smell permeating several classrooms Thursday caused an early dismissal for Fort Cherry High School students. But Superintendent Jill Jacoby, who personally explored the building’s crawl space, said no hazardous materials were found.
“Two of the rooms smelled really musty, like the carpets got wet, so we were concerned it was a foundation issue,” Jacoby said.
AGX Environmental, ServPro and a foundation company were called in to investigate and run environmental tests.
“There are no issues with the foundation,” she said. “They tested the rooms for any particulates and there is nothing hazardous.”
In order to thoroughly explore the issue, Jacoby said she chose to send students home and close the building. No black mold or any other health-endangering elements were found, but the district chose to have six classrooms professionally cleaned.
“It’s getting better but it’s going to take some time,” she said of the odor.
Jacoby was told several regional school districts have experienced the same problem because of high humidity. In order to keep air circulating in the classrooms, the district was advised to continuously run the building’s ventilation system. She suggested students wear layers of clothing because of cool mornings.
“As superintendent, my priority is safety and health,” Jacoby said. “In situations like this, we take all precautions necessary.”
Jacoby said the district is considering changing the flooring in the future.