Mold source found at Barack Obama Elementary; school could open to students Tuesday if air quality tests clear

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond Public Schools officials believe they have found the primary source of mold growth at Barack Obama Elementary School, and the school could open to students as early as Tuesday if air quality tests clear, Superintendent Jason Kamras said Sunday.

Kamras said Saturday's air quality test came back with slightly elevated mold levels. But remediation efforts uncovered what crews believe is the root cause.

"Most importantly, our remediation efforts uncovered what we believe is the primary source of the mold growth, which was a moist pipe hidden in a supply closet above ceiling tiles," Kamras said. "We were able to thoroughly clean this impacted area, and the mold levels dropped significantly in response."

Following Saturday's test, crews continued additional remediation work, including cleaning and removal of porous materials that could carry mold, extensive air scrubbing, and continued use of seven industrial dehumidifiers.

An air quality test was scheduled for Sunday morning. If results show the building is safe for re-entry, teachers will be given access beginning Sunday evening and all day Monday. The goal is to open the school to students on Tuesday.

"Our goal is to get students into the building and with their classmates as soon as it is safely possible," Kamras said.

RELATED: Obama Elementary's first day pushed back after RPS finds mold, rodents

Barack Obama Elementary's first day of school was pushed back from Monday, Aug. 24, after an air quality test earlier in the week showed elevated mold spore levels. The mold issue stems from an HVAC outage that caused mold growth in the school's basement and on some furniture. The district also received reports of rodents in several rooms.

Richmond Public Schools partnered with professional contractors to clean the building, including the HVAC ductwork, change air filters and remediate the mold.

"We will continue to provide updates as we receive test results, and our number one priority is ensuring the building is safe before allowing any student or staff to re-enter the building," Kamras said.

Parents who attended the school's outdoor open house last week expressed confidence in the district's response.

"We love all the teachers, everybody, the staff," Alyssa Dunson said.

"They're not going to put the kids in there if it's unsafe," Scott Stearman said.

At least one parent raised concerns about whether the issues should have been caught sooner.

"I can understand why a school would have those issues," an anonymous mother said. "However, I feel like we've had all summer to take care of this, and I feel like there should be annual checks. When the school lets out, why aren't we inspecting?" .

Another parent said a delay carries its own costs.

"You're delaying education time, you're delaying IEPs, you're delaying kids who rely on school meals," David Young said.

Families will continue to receive updates via ParentSquare as air quality test results become available. Results will also be published on the Barack Obama Elementary website.

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