Identify deficiencies that may impact IEQ and/or sources of odor concerns. Typically includes the following depending on the nature of concern, but not limited to:
- interview/questionnaire of concern individual(s)
- inspection above drop ceiling (condition of roof deck, pipe insulation, return air plenum)
- inspection of ventilation system (operation of variable air volume box and outdoor air dampers, check controls, measurements of carbon dioxide, temperature and relative humidity, sources near outdoor air intake, measure return and supply air volume, cleanliness of coils, liner and condensate pan)
- inspection of exterior
- inspection below drop ceiling (housekeeping, sink and floor drain traps, signs of past and present moisture concern via visual and/or moisture meter, mold growth, ensure connection of current and capping of abandoned sanitary vents, odorizers, excessive plants and fabric items, identify potential pathways, and measure volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and lighting)
Dates of Assessment: July 30 and August 1, 6, and 13, 2025
On July 30, 2025, the Office of the Environment observed visible mold growth on furniture and carpet within several classrooms on the first floor (Rooms 101-126, and the media center). The Office of the Environment did not observe indications of mold within the second floor, the cafeteria, kitchen, gym or areas impacted by a renovation project that was occurring (administration, 127, 130, and 131).
The Office of the Environment understands that the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) was shut down during the summer due to a boiler replacement project. The boiler replacement project required a shut down of the dual temperature water piping, which also shut down chiller operations. Based on conversations with Building Maintenance (HVAC), the HVAC system was shutdown July 21st and restored to normal operations on August 4th.
Additionally, Unit Ventilators (UV's) within the first floor spaces were continuously operating. UV's can cause elevated relative indoor humidity under certain outdoor weather conditions (low temperatures and high humidity/dew point).
The Office of the Environment was also informed that custodial carpet cleaning activities were occurring during this time. The cleaning activities introduced moisture into the interior spaces and with the above mentioned HVAC conditions, carpets could not dry sufficiently leading to mold growth on select carpeted areas.
Below are the corrective actions completed for this concern.
On August 1, 2025, the Office of the Environment performed a site walk with the board approved restoration contractor to further assess impacts and develop a scope of remediation.
The board-approved restoration contractor clean/disinfected each surface within rooms 101-126 and the media center from August 5 to August 13, 2025. Air scrubbers with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters were placed in each of the rooms during cleaning and disinfecting.
The Office of the Environment verified that surfaces had been cleaned and disinfected on August 13, 2025.
The Office of the Environment will coordinate with Building Maintenance (HVAC) on developing a HVAC Summer Operation Plan to reduce the occurrence of summer time mold incidents.