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Mold Forces School Online: Parents Question District Secrecy
26 Aug
Summary
- Students will learn remotely for two weeks due to mold and moisture issues.
- Parents question the district's transparency regarding known issues.
- The district aims for students to return September 8, pending air quality.

Students at Laurel Highlands Middle School are starting their academic year with remote learning, a necessary measure to address persistent mold and moisture issues within the building. This shift to online instruction is expected to last for the first two weeks of the term.
The discovery of these problems has raised significant concerns among parents, who are questioning the timeliness of the district's response. Some parents, like Alex Amburn, expressed frustration over potential delays in addressing the issues, highlighting the exposure risks for students. The district reported that while air quality tests were within normal ranges, contractors identified suspected mold growth on various surfaces and insulation.
Student Cole Frazee noted the similarity to the COVID-19 pandemic's remote learning phase, anticipating potential confusion. The disruption also impacts student-athletes, forcing the middle school football team to use facilities at the high school. The district is targeting September 8 for students to return to in-person classes, with a final decision to be made by September 2 based on further assessments.