Stewartville Schools Tackle Mold Issue at Central Education Center

Stewartville Public Schools has announced measures to address the presence of mold spores identified in the Central Education Center. This development comes amid a wave of similar actions taken by nearby districts, including Plainview-Elgin-Millville and Wabasha-Kellogg, which have also reported mold-related concerns.

The district issued a statement on Wednesday, explaining that recent humid weather conditions have contributed to issues with indoor air quality, particularly at the Central Education Center. The statement confirmed the discovery of mold spores, which the district described as “commonly found in homes and other buildings,” in three classrooms within the facility.

In response to the situation, Stewartville Public Schools engaged the services of the environmental consulting firm IEA to conduct an assessment of the mold. According to the district, the spores identified do not pose a health risk to students or staff. The statement emphasized that, as a precautionary measure, the district will implement thorough cleaning protocols, including wet-wiping surfaces and using HEPA vacuums to eliminate any residual spores. Furthermore, the air handling units in the affected classrooms will undergo comprehensive cleaning.

Neighboring Districts Also Address Mold Concerns

This mold issue is not isolated to Stewartville. Wabasha-Kellogg Public Schools, facing similar challenges, made the decision to delay the start of the school year until September 9, 2023, to ensure that proper remediation efforts could be completed. Meanwhile, Plainview-Elgin-Millville has opted to maintain its class schedule, despite also identifying mold in some classrooms of its pre-K to grade 3 building. The district is actively monitoring and addressing the situation to ensure a safe learning environment.

As schools across the region respond to these mold challenges, the focus remains on safeguarding the health and well-being of students and staff. The proactive steps taken by Stewartville Public Schools and its neighboring districts reflect a commitment to maintaining indoor air quality and creating safe educational settings.