Mold problem to delay Prospect Elementary opening

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http://www.fayettevillenc.com/obj_stories/2001/aug/n03mold.shtml

Friday, August 3, 2001

Mold problem to delay Prospect Elementary opening

By Venita

Staff writer

LUMBERTON -- The first day of school for Prospect Elementary students has

been delayed one week because of a mold cleanup project.

The Robeson County school board voted Thursday during an emergency meeting

to delay the opening of the school until Aug. 13 to allow time for further

cleaning and testing.

Results of air quality and dust tests showed that two areas of the school --

the cafeteria and south hall -- were 95 percent clean of active mold, said

Superintendent Barry Harding.

Carolina Environmental of Cary collected 12 air samples and 50 dust samples

this week. The lab results showed " no significant elevated fungi

contamination in the tested areas, " Harding said.

Carolina Environmental recommended additional testing in areas where small

amounts of mold was still present. School officials expect the results of

those tests on Monday. The company will notify school officials whether to

proceed with renovations at the school.

Goal: 100 percent

Harding told Carolina Environmental that he wanted the areas to be 100

percent clear. The company suggested that Alford/Issac Environmental Inc. of

Wilmington wash the areas where mold remains. Alford/Issac is handling the

removal of contaminated materials and cleaning of the school.

School officials had planned to start school on Monday. Classes normally

held in the north and south wing were scheduled to be held at the Prospect

United Methodist Church until the cleanup was completed. The church is

across the street from the school.

Leaks in the school created the environment needed for the mold to grow.

Cleanup of the mold began on July 23. Air quality tests will be conducted 30

days after the project is completed.

School board members will decide later when Prospect students will make up

days missed by the delay of the start of school.

Staff writer Venita can be reached at (910) 738-7630 or

jenkinsv@...

PREVIOUS STORIES

Parents demand action on mold (Aug. 2)

Cleanup of mold a priority (June 13)

Robeson school board gets report on mold (June 12)

Official to speak on mold at Prospect Elementary (May 11)

Parents seek answers on Prospect School mold (May 10)

Mold affects Prospect Elementary School (May 8)