Mold Concerns at a Little Compton School - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

Mold Concerns at a Little Compton School

By: Melissa Toupin

mtoupin@abc6.com

A Little Compton School won't be opening tomorrow as originally planned.

Cleaning crews are working over time at the Wilbur and McMahon school after tests came back saying higher than normal amounts of mold were discovered in 4 classrooms and the cafeteria.

"As a result of a school, sea–side community school being closed up for a period of time we did not run our dehumidifiers in the building, anticipating not being here, so we had a little problem with moisture in the building," said Superintendent Kathryn Crowley.

The school was 'closed up' as the building undergoes renovations. The students were supposed to start the year in modular classrooms, but that never happened due to a construction mishap.

The health concerns presented by the mold have caused at least a weeks delay in the start of classes.

They're displaced kids," parent Sally Swart told ABC6 by phone. "They weren't supposed to be going back into Wilbur, and now of course there's a mold issue, and we're all concerned about the health of our children."

Swart and several other parents took a tour of the school at the height of the mold. "There was mold on the walls in the band room, and the air quality in that room was really, really poor," said Swat.

School Superintendent Kathryn Crowley says the school reported the mold right away, and are taking actions to correct it. A second test has also been scheduled.

"If it should not be where we want them to be then we certainly would not hesitate airing on the side of caution and pushing school back," said Crowley.

The results of that test are expected late Thursday. The school administration has planned an informational meeting for parents following the results.

School officials hope to welcome students back September 4th.