RICHMOND, Va. —Bellevue Elementary students will spend another day at a temporary learning site Tuesday as Richmond school leaders await the latest air quality test results following the discovery of mold inside the 114-year-old school.
The Richmond School District said Monday that students will remain at Lucks Field Community Center, where they have attended classes since Sept. 1, while officials continue to prioritize the health and safety of students and staff and err on the side of caution.
Superintendent Jason Kamras ordered Bellevue closed after mold was discovered in the school’s attic and in closets in multiple classrooms. Over the past week, crews have conducted extensive cleaning throughout the building and installed new ceiling insulation in affected rooms. School officials had hoped the remediation work would produce clear air quality test results by Monday evening and allow students to return to the building.
But officials said Monday that they would not take that step until testing confirms the school’s air quality results show spore counts below normal outside levels. They remain optimistic that students will be able to return to Bellevue Elementary on Wednesday, September.
The closure has renewed concerns about the condition of Richmond’s aging school buildings. Bellevue’s closing comes less than two weeks after Barack Obama Elementary School temporarily closed after mold was discovered in several locations just days before the start of the new school year. School officials say a broken HVAC system, along with an exceptionally wet and humid summer, contributed to mold issues.
“A lot in Richmond do have older school systems, but they are working to fix the problem, but we need a lot of money from City Hall,” said parent Apollonia Thornton.
This is a developing story, so check back with WTVR.com for updates. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have info, photos or videos to share.
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