Board moves to fund elementary school mold remediation and boiler replacement after test results

District staff told the Fairbanks Local Board of Education that environmental testing found "elevated level concentrations of mold" in classroom carpeting at an elementary school, a condition staff said is linked to a boiler-system failure this summer. Staff recommended the board allocate funds to replace the boiler, complete certified mold remediation and install new flooring; initial estimates discussed in the meeting put the project in the neighborhood of $800,000, which includes the boiler work and remediation.

A staff member said the district has met with three certified remediation contractors and expects quotes shortly; the district will use third‑party hygienist testing to confirm clearance after work and will follow industry standards and legal counsel guidance. Board members pressed staff on whether the health department must be notified and on the timing for work before school starts; staff said they will loop the health department into the process as appropriate and could not confirm a completion date until contractors are selected and schedules set.

The board approved an amendment to general fund appropriations adding $500,000 to support the restoration; staff noted that boiler parts had already been budgeted in the PI fund. The board directed staff to pursue competitive quotes, use certified remediation providers, and obtain independent clearance testing before declaring rooms fit for occupancy.