South River district closes elementary and middle schools after water leak, consultant finds mostly normal air but localized surface mold

The South River Board of Education on Sept. 24 received a detailed timeline from Superintendent (identified in the transcript as "Dr. Zer.") showing that a late‑August roof leak and a subsequent power outage that damaged HVAC components prompted a multi‑step response that culminated in a precautionary closure of the elementary and middle schools to allow comprehensive testing and remediation work.

An independent industrial hygienist, Dr. Lynch, who the district engaged after the vendor First On Site recommended redoing sampling, told the board that air samples from roughly 40 representative classrooms showed indoor airborne mold levels generally well below outdoor concentrations. He said, however, that surface testing found localized mold growth associated with condensation in a few cold rooms, and recommended targeted cleaning and HVAC servicing for those areas.

"The decision to close the elementary and middle school was really made as a precaution," the superintendent said, recounting the district’s actions to bring in roofers, an environmental consultant and First On Site. Dr. Lynch summarized the lab results for the board, saying, "I would not anticipate that average children or staff would have problems at this level," while also urging careful, professional cleanup of a small number of rooms where condensation produced surface growth.

District staff approved expedited testing and weekend cleaning with HEPA‑filtered equipment to speed reopening. Dr. Lynch recommended a three‑tiered remediation protocol: (1) targeted cleaning of affected classroom surfaces (desks, chairs, cabinets); (2) professional HVAC and duct cleaning and sanitizing for impacted zones; and (3) follow‑up sampling and a preventive monitoring/training plan for custodial staff.

The board adopted a consent resolution that included authorizing contracts and routine items across finance, instruction, policy and human resources. The district said it will post Dr. Lynch’s initial findings on the district website and provide parents with updates about re‑opening timelines and follow‑up testing.