Moldy classroom questions answered

Hopewell Valley ceramics teacher noted odor Friday

By John Tredrea, Staff Writer
   Mold found in the ceramics room at Central High School was removed immediately Friday, school district spokeswoman JoAnn Meyer said Monday.
   Students were temporarily relocated to an adjoining art room while the removal took place. Countertops, sinks and cabinetry were taken away to make sure all mold was gone. The mold was found Friday by ceramics teacher Pat Arbitell.
   Students were able to return to the room Monday. The countertops, sinks and cabinetry will be replaced.
   The mold was found under sinks in three workstations in the 1,248-square-foot room.
   ”Officials believe improperly installed sinks and the installation of regular Sheetrock, instead of moisture resistant or masonry base board, are to blame,” Ms. Meyer, director of communications and development, noted. The room was constructed in 2003.
   Custodians treated the affected areas with a bleach solution before demolishing the plywood countertops and base cabinets nearest the sinks.
   Officials are considering replacing the sink areas with a one-piece stainless steel sink and countertop. “The new sinks will be deeper and larger, making them more appropriate for the activities of the room,” said Norman Torkelson, director of facilities.
   ”Apparently this was mold created by moisture that had infiltrated the semiporous wood products used in the cabinets and countertops and adjoining Sheetrock. The problem was the sinks. Apparently they were improperly installed, which allowed the laminate to buckle and water to seep into the material in the countertops,” Ms. Meyer said Tuesday afternoon.
   ”The teacher (Ms. Arbitell) detected an odor and reported to the maintenance department around noon (Friday). Maintenance confirmed the odor and, upon further examination, found light and sporadic mold,” Ms. Meyer added.
   ”Students in the remaining classes for that day were moved to another room while maintenance staff followed Environmental Protection Agency protocols for mold remediation and removed the affected cabinetry and countertops,” Ms. Meyer said. Classes end at 2:45 p.m.
   ”No health complaints have been reported to school nurse,” Ms. Meyer concluded.
   About 150 students use the ceramics room daily. Students temporarily displaced by the installation of new cabinets and sinks will meet for classes in unoccupied art rooms or classrooms, said Principal Mike Daher.