(CREDIT: U-46 website)

School District U-46 officials, working with a professional environmental consulting firm, have determined that mold remediation has been successfully completed at Coleman Elementary School and classes resumed today (Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018), according to a School District news release.

(CREDIT: Google Maps)

The district cancelled classes at Coleman Elementary last Thursday (Sept. 13) as a precautionary move after a visual inspection showed mold in common areas such as hallways.

“We went above and beyond industry guidelines to ensure the well being of our staff and students,” said CEO Tony Sanders. “We will always err on the side of caution in the face of a risk to staff and students.”

District employees check all U-46 schools and buildings for mold on a periodic basis and upon notification of a concern. School custodians know how to identify mold and report its presence to supervisors.

Tests conducted upon the completion of remediation showed that the mold levels are low, normal and typical for an indoor environment. Results show mold levels significantly lower than levels found outdoors, another indicator of successful remediation efforts.  Extra dehumidifiers have been placed inside the school to maintain good air quality, especially during this time of high humidity in Northern Illinois.

“We support the steps the district took to clean the school and ensure a good learning environment,” said Coleman Elementary Principal Brian Stark. “We’re excited to get back to our normal routine Wednesday and see our nearly 680 K-6 students.”

The district cleaned and tested the air quality at Coleman in early August before the start of the 2018-19 school year. District officials will continue to closely monitor the moisture level and air quality at Coleman.

Coleman Elementary was built in 1954 and has had three additions. Mold was primarily found in the common areas such as hallways of the older portion of the building but the entire school was treated and tested over the past several days.

The Chicago-based Weaver Consultants Group oversaw the remediation and air quality testing at the Elgin school.

SOURCE: U-46 news release