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Several local schools dealing with mold, water issues

Mold and moisture problems have plagued schools across our area within the last few days.

The Shaler Area, Mt. Pleasant, Pine-Richland Southmoreland and Plum school districts are all having problems.

Hance Elementary School mom Ellen Seagraves admits she's a little nervous for her daughter's first day of school, which will take place at Eden Hall Elementary instead of her daughter's home school of Hance Elementary

"I very much like Hance. I am nervous about my child being in a larger environment with my child,” Seagraves said.

Last week, Pine Richland School District closed Hance Elementary after mold was found in the school.

Parents say they're happy they found it now instead of in the middle of the school year.

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Pine-Richland school leaders held a meeting at Pine-Richland High School Monday night to let parents know how they will accommodate the 350 students at Hance Elementary that will start the school year at Eden Hall.

"I think it's going to go smoothly. They seem very professional and everyone is excited. You can tell they're going to do whatever it takes to make this a smooth transition," said parent Jennifer Haley.

They’re not the only ones dealing with changes.

The Mount Pleasant Area School District announced it's delaying the start of the school year until Tuesday, Sept. 4 because water infiltration was spotted on some windows, damaging some interior classrooms. The district is now working with professionals to fix the problem.

Monday afternoon, the Plum School District announced they made the decision to delay the start of school because of air quality concerns.

Monday evening, the Southmoreland School District canceled classes Tuesday for the high school. The district said either mildew or mold was found in the band and chorus room.

Shaler Area High School is also monitoring mold and mildew issues.

The district sent out a letter including the following information:

  • Air quality tests (were conducted) throughout the high school last Friday, Aug. 24, and Sunday, Aug. 26.
  • Abundance of caution, we closed the school to all staff on Monday, Aug. 27
  • The preschool and robotics classrooms, respectively, had spore counts higher than other rooms in the high school.
  • Will remain closed to staff and students, and the district will contract with an outside mitigation company to clean and dehumidify the rooms.

Classes will start on time on Aug. 29 for Shaler Area students.

 

Cox Media Group

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