Weimar ISD begins mold removal at high school

An aging air conditioning system blamed for spreading mold has cleanup efforts beginning soon at Weimar High School, officials said.

Weimar Independent School District announced, Wednesday, June 17, that the fungus is growing in classrooms and hallways, adding the situation requires immediate attention.

An older ventilation system is suspected of contributing to the proliferation of the mold, officials said.

A new chiller system will be installed in the coming weeks. Afterwards, an independent mold-assessment consultant will conduct testing and develop a remediation plan, educators added.

“The consultant will perform final testing to verify that the building meets safety standards before occupancy,” the district stated on social media.

Dehumidifiers and air scrubbers are also reducing moisture levels, educators said.

All ductwork in the high school will be professionally cleaned before the new system is placed into operation, the district said.

According to officials, the issue was identified on June 15, and staff began working with maintenance personnel and specialists to evaluate the affected areas and develop an action plan.

“Staff were informed … to remain out of the impacted areas, and no students were present in those areas,” the district stated in a Facebook post.

Officials said the high school gymnasium, where summer programs are being held, has shown no evidence of mold.

The parts of the building where the growth occurs have been isolated, and the heating-ventilation-air-conditioning system serving those areas has been shut down to help prevent further spread.

Educators plan for the campus to be ready for students and staff when classes resume in August.