Dear Faculty, Staff, and Families,
I am writing to share an update on the district's ongoing remediation work in the basement area beneath the original building. I am pleased to report that the remediation completed to date has significantly improved conditions in the affected space.
By combining industrial-grade dehumidifiers with other mitigation measures, the district has reduced humidity in the main storage area to below 30%. This is an important milestone, as mold cannot grow when humidity remains consistently under this threshold.
While the overall counts of Aspergillus and Penicillium—the common mold varieties identified in initial testing—remain present, these spores are now dormant due to the stabilized low humidity. Additionally, it is important to note that none of the areas tested showed elevated levels of Stachybotrys, the more toxic mold often referred to as “black mold.”
Testing conducted in the elementary school also showed no elevated mold levels, confirming that the issue is contained to the basement and has not impacted instructional spaces.
The next phase of remediation will include removing clutter from the affected area and thoroughly cleaning surfaces to eliminate any remaining spores. To maintain proper environmental controls, the district now has four dedicated industrial-grade dehumidifiers operating solely in the storage space.
In addition to these immediate steps, we are collaborating with our architects and engineers to identify and implement long-term solutions that will prevent humidity levels and mold counts from exceeding safe limits in the future. This work will ensure our facilities remain healthy and safe for students and staff over the long term.
Thank you for your continued cooperation, patience, and trust as we carry out this important work. I will keep you updated as we move into the next stages of the process.
Sincerely,
Jesse Harper
Superintendent of Schools