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Derby High School
DERBY — PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DISTRICT SENT OUT NEW INFO THURSDAY NIGHT ANNOUNCING THAT THE HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY. CLICK HERE.
The latest round of testing at Derby High School showed no elevated mold levels in the building, so the school was able to open as planned Thursday.
The school had gone through a series of tests and cleanings after elevated mold levels were found on the lower level of the high school last week, after a teacher noticed an odor. This was before students reported back for classes, but staff was in the building.
Tests showed elevated levels of Aspergillus, a common mold found indoors and outdoors, were found in two classrooms on the lower level.
According to the CDC, most people breathe Aspergillus spores into their bodies without a problem. However, “aspergillosis,” a fungal infection, from this type of mold can be a danger to people with weakened immune systems or serious lung diseases.
The mold discovered was not Stachybotrys (also known as “Black Mold”).
The mold was also found in other parts of the building, including the main hallway, Little Raiders University (the district’s pre‑K program in a separate wing of the high school), and the wood shop.
The first day of school was then pushed from Tuesday to Thursday (with a three-hour delay) so that the building could be thoroughly cleaned and tested. Officials said the mold had likely originated due to the recent heavy rains and high humidity.
Test results Wednesday (Sept. 8) showed the cleaning worked, Superintendent Matthew Conway said in a letter to parents. The school district also hosted a public forum online Wednesday on the mold issue.
“All areas tested passed. We are clear to open,” Conway wrote in the letter, which can be viewed here.
