August 13, 2025

Explorer Academy Delays School Start Due to Mold Discovery

here-intlog
August 13, 2025
5:15 am
Milwaukee

News Summary

Explorer Academy in Cabell County, West Virginia has postponed its opening day due to mold concerns found in the building. The decision prioritizes safety for students and staff following air quality tests that revealed mold spores. School officials are taking a cautious approach, which includes hiring professionals for thorough cleaning and testing. The kindergarten orientation will also be rescheduled, while the Open House event will proceed as planned, using a separate entry. The school district emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe learning environment and effective communication with the community.

Cabell County’s Explorer Academy Delays School Start Due to Mold Discovery

Cabell County, West Virginia—Explorer Academy, a school serving Pre-K through 5th grade, has postponed its inaugural day of classes, previously scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2025, due to concerns regarding mold in the building. This decision was made to prioritize the health and safety of students and staff.

Last week, officials were alerted to potential mold issues at the school. On Thursday, a mold remediation company conducted air quality tests, with the results sent to a lab for expedited analysis. The tests revealed the presence of two common outdoor mold spores, Penicillium and Cladosporium, which raised alarms among the district’s leadership.

While the remediation company suggested using foggers in the affected rooms as a solution, school officials opted for a more cautious approach by closing the school entirely. This decision was taken out of an abundance of caution to ensure the well-being of students and staff as remediation efforts begin.

The impact of this delay extends to the kindergarten orientation, which will also be postponed and rescheduled to coincide with the new first day of school, though the exact date is still to be determined. However, the Open House event scheduled for Tuesday evening will still take place, utilizing a separate entry and exit in an unaffected area of the building.

In light of the discovery, Cabell County Schools (CCS) will hire professionals to conduct thorough cleaning and testing of the affected areas to eradicate any mold presence and ensure a safe environment for returning students and staff. Principal Ryan McKenzie will offer guidance to all staff regarding assignments and procedures during this closure period.

CCS remains committed to monitoring the situation closely and will provide regular updates to the community as remediation progresses. The safety of all students and staff is the highest priority as the school district navigates this challenging situation.

The issue of mold growth in schools is not uncommon and can stem from various factors including moisture, inadequate ventilation, or other environmental conditions. It is essential for schools to address such situations promptly to maintain a healthy learning environment. Exploratory assessments and prompt actions are crucial to mitigate any further risks associated with mold exposure.

Effective communication between school officials, parents, and the broader community is vital during this time as the district works to resolve these concerns swiftly. The community is urged to stay informed through official announcements as they continue to ensure a safe return for all students and staff at Explorer Academy.