(WBFF) — Baltimore City Public Schools hired an environmental firm to address a mold issue at Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School in Locust Point.
The school has been temporarily closed after mold was discovered behind the walls. Officials assured parents that the mold was not “disturbed” when found, posing no immediate danger to students and staff.
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Nearly 600 students will be relocated to the former Thurgood Marshall Middle School building on Sinclair Lane starting next week for at least a month.
A meeting at Digital Harbor High School on Thursday provided parents with updates on the situation. Scott Washington, executive director of facilities for Baltimore City Public Schools, stated, “No elevated levels in the interior space…and the black mold that everyone was concerned about was not indicated in the report.”
Despite reassurances, some parents remain worried. One parent expressed concern about potential future health issues, saying, “I am concerned about any type of later ramifications of health concerns coming out later…where they may not appear now.”
The mold was discovered after a pipe burst in a heating unit on Jan. 6, causing water to seep into several classrooms. Initially, some classes were moved within the building, but further investigation led to the decision to close the school and switch to remote learning.
Parents at the meeting voiced concerns about the temporary “swing space” for students. Zach Lander-Portnoy questioned, “What does the space look like, is it clean is it secure, is it safe? and is conducive to learning?” Maurice Floyd asked, “How long is this going to be going on…what’s the process with everything?” Elana Lander-Portnoy noted the challenges for working parents, saying, “Things are constantly changing…everyone’s trying to work together to make it happen but it’s very hard for working parents.”
School officials announced that virtual learning will continue through February 3, with in-person classes at Thurgood Marshall starting February 4. A return to Francis Scott Key is planned for March 2, pending clearance.
