DERBY — Students will return to Derby High School on Thursday instead of Tuesday due to an ongoing mold problem in the building, Derby Public Schools announced in a letter to families over the weekend.
A teacher reported a mold odor in the lower level of Derby High School last Wednesday (Sept. 1). No students were in the building.
Elevated levels of Aspergillus, a common mold found indoors and outdoors, were found in two classrooms.
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.
Conway said a preliminary report notes that the mold is not Stachybotrys (also known as “Black Mold”).
Since the first announcement last week, extensive air and surface sampling has taken place throughout Derby High School, in addition to the RAISE Academy (alternate high school) and Little Raiders University (pre‑K program).
Elevated levels of the same mold were also found in the high school’s main hallway, Little Raiders University, and the wood shop.
The school district posted a report on the test results here.
“Remediation and cleaning” of the building continued all weekend, and is scheduled to be completed Wednesday, Sept. 8. Additional test results will be made available at that time as well.
Dunn Environmental Inspections is handling the testing. ServPro is handling the cleaning.
Superintendent Matthew Conway said the district has scheduled a Zoom meeting for 7 p.m. Wednesday to answer questions about the mold issue at the high school.
High school students will have a three-hour delay on their first day back (originally scheduled for Tuesday, now scheduled for Thursday).
An open house for Little Raiders University is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 9 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to read the complete letter from the school district sent on Saturday, Sept. 4.
