Mold remediation team conducting safety measures at Explorer Academy.
Explorer Academy in Cabell County has postponed its opening day amid concerns of mold discovered within the school premises. Following air quality tests that revealed common mold spores, officials have decided to temporarily close the school for safety measures. While kindergarten orientation is rescheduled, an Open House will proceed as planned. The administration is committed to addressing the mold issue with professional remediation services to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Huntington, West Virginia – Explorer Academy, a Pre-K through 5th grade educational institution in Cabell County, has postponed its opening day originally slated for Wednesday, August 12, 2025, following the discovery of potential mold issues within the school premises.
The postponement was announced after officials were alerted last Wednesday to concerns regarding possible mold presence. In response, a mold remediation company was called to assess the air quality at the school on Thursday. Subsequently, air samples were expedited to a laboratory for swift analysis.
The results of the air quality tests indicated the presence of two common outdoor mold spores: Penicillium and Cladosporium. These findings heightened concerns over the health and safety of students and staff, prompting school authorities to take immediate action. Despite the remediation company’s recommendation to employ foggers in the affected rooms without needing to close the facility entirely, the decision was made to temporarily shut down the school to ensure comprehensive safety protocols were enacted.
The delay in opening will also affect the kindergarten orientation, which will now be rescheduled to coincide with the newly determined first day of classes, the date of which is still pending. However, the Open House event scheduled for Tuesday evening will proceed as planned. Attendees will have designated entry and exit points through areas of the building that have not been impacted by the mold.
Cabell County Schools (CCS) will take a proactive approach by hiring professional services for thorough cleaning and retesting of the affected areas before students and employees are allowed to return. CCS has committed to continuously monitoring the situation, ensuring that the community remains informed throughout the remediation process until the issue is resolved. This commitment underscores the district’s priority to maintain a safe learning environment for its students and staff.
Mold can pose serious health risks, especially to children, leading to respiratory issues and other related health problems. The presence of outdoor mold spores, particularly in educational settings, warrants immediate attention to prevent any potential health implications. The proactive measures taken by Explorer Academy serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safety standards in schools.
As the situation develops, Principal Ryan McKenzie will provide guidance to staff regarding their assignments during the duration of the school’s closure. The administration aims to address both the remediation needs and communication with families to keep them informed about any changes.
In closing, Cabell County Schools is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all students and staff members through these precautionary measures and is committed to resolving the mold issue swiftly and effectively.
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