Johnston County Schools confirmed this afternoon (Friday) that mold was found in one of two mobile classrooms this week that sustained recent water damage.
On Tuesday, JoCoReport reported that parents of students at West View Elementary demanded immediate action from school officials due to “rotten floors, ceilings collapsing and … black mold.” An online petition drive was started demanding action. Fifth grade students attend some of their classes in the two mobile units.
Students were not allowed to return to the two mobile classrooms Monday due to roof leaks from weekend rains. The rental company that owns the classrooms were notified and began immediate repairs, according to Chief of Staff and Communications Dolores Gill.
On Friday, school officials confirmed that mold was found in one of the two mobile units prior to repairs this week and the unit will be removed from the campus and replaced with a different unit as soon as possible.
West View Principal Chenetra Mangum sent a letter home with students Friday afternoon providing additional details.
CLICK HERE TO READ PRINCIPAL MANGUM’S LETTER
“Earlier this week, concerns arose surrounding damage to the ceiling of Mobile Unit 4, which houses one of our fifth grade classes. Water damage was discovered on Monday morning following a weekend rain event….,” Mangum said in the letter to parents. “While conducting an assessment of this mobile unit, all of the mobile units were assessed for roofing needs, and to detect the presence of any moisture in these units. All other units were clear with the exception of Mobile Unit 3, which had wall damage related to moisture. Students were removed from these classrooms and a plan of action began on Tuesday.”
Mangum said repairs were made to units 3 and 4.
In unit 3 Mangum said, ” Air quality samples were conducted and test results yielded low level moisture related issues. This result was related to the leak where the wall damage was located. All of these issues are now remediated. Students in this unit may return to the classroom for normal use on Wednesday, October 30.”
Although repaired, Unit 4 will be removed from campus and replaced due to mold being detected prior to the start of renovations this week.
“Mobile Unit 4 was also repaired with all insulation and wallboards in the affected areas removed, treated and replaced with new materials. Further, the roof of the unit was sealed. Air quality samples were conducted and the air quality results yielded moisture related mold in the unit. Even though the unit has been treated and repaired, this unit will be removed from the campus of West View Elementary. It will be replaced with another unit from our rental company to alleviate any ongoing concerns related to this unit.”
The principal said the replacement mobile unit will be delivered and in use by students within 30 days. Until then, students in mobile unit 4 will be temporarily located, Mangum said. ” We will also be working with the teacher and students of Mobile Unit 4 to ensure that support is provided during the relocation and set up of the new unit.”
“It is imperative that the students are provided an instructional space which is conducive for learning and your child’s continued academic success,” the letter said.
Parents who have questions about the mobile units are encouraged to contact West View Elementary or Principal Mangum for questions or concerns.
Mobile Unit Inspections Will Now Take Place Semi-Annually
In response to the problems at the two West View mobile units this week, officials said they will coordinate with the rental company to inspect the units semi-annually instead of annually. This means that all Johnston County School mobile units will be inspected in November.
“We are appreciative of everyone’s support as we have worked to remedy this situation in a timely and appropriate manner,” Mrs. Gill said.
