ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C. — The Alamance-Burlington School System said it is dealing with mold problems, again.
ABSS spokesperson Les Atkins said mold was found in four classrooms at Eastlawn Elementary while replacing windows.
“During our window replacement project this weekend at Eastlawn Elementary, some surface mold was discovered above old windows in the ceiling area in four classrooms. Students and staff in those rooms have been temporarily relocated while we work with our contractor to fully remediate the issue," Atkins said. "Rest assured we are taking all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we complete these facility improvements.”
Atkins said they're hoping to have the mold at Eastlawn cleaned up by next week.
You might remember the widespread mold problems at nearly 30 school buildings in the district earlier in the school year.
The district delayed the start of school by two weeks and dumped millions of dollars into fixing the problem.
Atkins said in January alone they've spent $5,000 on roof patches.
He said the cycle of mold, HVAC and roofing issues will repeat itself until they get enough money to permanently fix the issues.
"It's incredibly difficult to concentrate when you hear the drip drip drip sitting beside you in a classroom," Atkins said. "Our students deserve better."
Tuesday, Williams High School had to close one of its bathrooms this week because of a leaking roof.
"This is part of our ongoing water intrusion issues and HVAC issues," Atkins said. "We've been talking about this since the summer. We're hoping for some better corporation and adequate funding from our county commissioners."
Atkins said the district is already $15,000 in the hole replacing ceiling tiles this year.
At Tuesday's county commission meeting, ABSS issues were not on the agenda. Afterward WFMY News 2's Itinease McMiller spoke with Commissioner Craig Turner what they plan to do.
He said they're looking at all district buildings.
"We'll take a look at what is the current status of roofs and HVAC's and develop a prioritized plan that we can tackle," Turner said. "We can provide funding for and we can move forward."
In the meantime students and staff will weather the storm and downpour of needed repairs.
Commissioner Turner said they have not declined any funding request for HVAC or roofing repairs over the last 2 years.
The study mentioned is expected to be complete by the end of January.
There's also a county budget retreat at the end of the month to come up with priority projects.
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