RICHMOND, Va. — Mold contamination has forced Richmond Public Schools to close a second elementary school while crews conduct cleaning and remediation work.
Bellevue Elementary School, a building more than a century old, will remain closed until the school division determines that students and employees can safely return.
The closure follows a separate mold problem at Barack Obama Elementary School. Remediation there has been completed, and students were expected to return, according to information reported Tuesday by Axios Richmond.
The situation has disrupted the opening of the academic year for hundreds of Richmond families and renewed questions about the condition of the city’s older public-school buildings.
Moisture can create recurring problems
Mold can grow when water enters a building through leaking roofs, plumbing systems, damaged windows or high indoor humidity. Older structures may be especially vulnerable when heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems cannot adequately control moisture.
Remediation generally includes identifying and correcting the source of the moisture, removing contaminated materials, cleaning affected areas and testing indoor conditions before occupants return.
Exposure can produce irritation or allergic reactions in some people, particularly those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. The presence of mold does not mean every person entering the building will become ill.
School officials have not indicated that the closures resulted in serious injuries.
School funding enters the debate
The problems are drawing attention to a proposed 1% local sales tax referendum expected to appear before Richmond voters in November. Revenue from the measure would be directed toward school construction and facility improvements.
Supporters argue that Richmond needs a dedicated funding source to replace or renovate aging schools. Opponents may question the effect of a higher sales tax on families and businesses.
For parents, the immediate questions concern where classes will be held, whether transportation schedules will change and when Bellevue students can safely return.
Richmond Public Schools is expected to provide families with additional information as remediation proceeds.