By Donald Gilpin

Following up on reports of possible mold and testing air quality in every school building, Princeton Public Schools (PPS) is working to implement recommendations for remediation of a variety of mold and air quality problems.  The district is teaming up with its maintenance crew and environmental services professionals AHERA Consultants, Inc. in the ongoing effort.

In an October 12 letter to parents, staff, and students, PPS Superintendent Steve Cochrane described “recent steps we are taking to ensure the community we are taking this process seriously and that the quality of our spaces and the health and wellness of our students and staff remains our top priority.”

Yesterday, Cochrane reported, “to date, our operations and maintenance teams have completed the majority of the initial cleaning that could be handled internally in approximately 30 rooms across the district.  A professional contractor is beginning additional clean up efforts this week in approximately six rooms as recommended by our consultant.”

The ongoing process of controlling and eradicating mold will continue in the coming weeks, as PPS, under the direction of AHERA, continues “to work on any known or suspected contributing factors that could increase the potential for mold growth.”

The district has spent approximately $30,000 on consultant and contractor fees so far, and will be conducting post testing once the remediation is complete.

“If additional concerns are brought to our attention, we will continue to follow the procedures now in place,” Cochrane added.  “Our consultant has been made available to answer specific questions as they arise and make recommendations, and we are committed to keeping the school community apprised of our efforts.”

In responding to what Princeton Health Officer Jeff Grosser called “an ambiguous issue,” Cochrane’s October 12 letter suggested the complexity of the problem.  “Each school building requires a unique and targeted response based on the recommendations of our consultant,” he wrote.  “In general, many issues identified can be resolved by our maintenance staff or a contractor.”

He continued, “In some cases we may need to replace specific items such as carpeting, filters, or air conditioners.   Meanwhile, as we implement the recommendations, we are continuing to follow approved protocols for cleaning any areas of concern as they are reported.”

Grosser explained that mold exists naturally in the outside environment and that every facility has some degree of mold.  “A house plant can potentially be a source of mold,” he said.  “The schools are being extra diligent.  They are testing the air quality in all the schools and looking to fix leaks and remove moisture.  The schools are using a systematic approach and dealing with the sources of moisture.”

He further noted that “the consultant is making recommendations for cleaning and any necessary repairs, and schools need to make sure that all surfaces are clean.”  For children with allergy problems, he recommended that parents check with the school nurses or consult with their child’s doctor.

Cochrane, in his October 12 letter, also stated, “Please be assured that our building principals have received the air testing reports and are working closely with our operations and maintenance teams under the direction of our consultant.  We are also in regular communication with the municipal health officer.”  Copies of the reports can be found in each school’s main office.

Specific problems — most now remediated or in the process of being addressed — noted on the original reports include:

At Princeton High School: Some areas with elevated levels of a fungal spore, some visible mold, and the need for remediation through clean up/replacement of some ventilation registers, carpeting, and ceiling tiles.

At John Witherspoon Middle School: Elevated CO2 readings and stained ceiling tiles, which could be the result of roof leaks.

At Community Park Elementary School: Two rooms with elevated levels of a fungal spore, one room with an elevated humidity level where the air conditioner has since been replaced, another room with evidence of staining on the ceiling tile and possible moisture getting into the building.

At Johnson Park Elementary School: High concentration of fungal spores in one room, slightly elevated spore counts in the art room, some visible surface mold, and the need to continue investigation for additional mold-contributing factors.

At Littlebrook Elementary School: High concentrations of fungal spores and visible spores in administrative offices and one additional room.

And at Riverside Elementary School: An elevated concentration of fungal spores in one room where the air conditioner, and possibly the carpet too, will be replaced.