Drum Point Will Plug In 36 Dehumidifiers To Combat Mold Problem

By Catherine Galioto
Editor/Brick Patch

Drum Point Road Elementary School will plug 36 dehumidifiers into its rooms to prevent further mold issues, after completing mold remediation in every room this month.

School district officials and the contractors outlined what levels of mold were found in the school's 33 classrooms, why they spread, how it was cleaned, and what preventive measures are underway, in a special school board meeting Nov. 13.

The mold "aspergillus" was suspected in two rooms in August and September, and then when moisture and humidity concerns continued to be reported to six rooms, a complete testing of the entire school and subsequent mold remediation was completed before Nov. 10, school officials reported.

The dehumidifiers were purchased earlier this week from area Home Depots, buying out their stock, Superintendent Walter Uszenski said.Besides dehumidifiers, the district plans to purchase sensors for each room to track moisture and humidity.

Potted plants inside the school and outdoor landscaping near any vents will be removed, Superintendent Walter Uszenski said.

They could also be harboring mold, that could again grow, so the plants will all be removed by buildings and grounds, said the superintendent.

Uszenski said the elementary school, in addition to having live readings on the sensors, will also undergo quarterly testing, that is, every four months.

Board member Lawrence Reid said as the board representative to the facilities committee, his meeting reports will also include updates on the mold monitoring and prevention going forward.