(Atlantic) Atlantic Schools Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen posted the following message to parents on the Atlantic Community School District Social media page.
“I am writing to provide you with clear and accurate information regarding concerns about mold at Washington Elementary School,” stated Johnsen. “It is important that you hear directly from us about what has been done and what we continue to do to ensure a safe learning environment for your children.”
What We Know and What We’ve Done
- 2017 Assessment: EMC Insurance, our insurance carrier, conducted a professional mold assessment. The company tested four classrooms and an outside location. Results indicated that mold spore levels inside the school were lower than those outdoors, although some classrooms showed the presence of penicillin and basidiospores. At that time, the district upgraded parts of the HVAC system and thoroughly cleaned the rooms.
- Early 2025: Additional energy recovery ventilation (ERV) units were installed to improve air circulation and reduce humidity. Several classroom HVAC units were also replaced.
- Summer 2025 Cleaning and Discovery: All carpets at Washington were steam cleaned this summer. In one kindergarten classroom, the HVAC system shut down over a weekend, and white mold appeared on the carpet. The room was re-cleaned. The district replaced the HVAC unit in that classroom and installed another ERV unit.
- Insurance Testing (July 25, 2025): EMC Insurance returned to take indoor and outdoor air samples. The inspector noted that mold spores are present in all environments, and under the right conditions (moisture, food source, and temperature), growth can occur.
Preliminary results showed that the spore counts in the tested classroom were within a safe range and lower than those in the 2017 assessment. The mold is similar to the type of mold abated in 2017. We are still awaiting the final written report and will share the information when we receive it.
- Additional Measures: In the days following, more white mold appeared in some classrooms. Our maintenance team worked to re-clean carpets and review HVAC performance. Additional ERV units and ionizers were installed, and 12 large-capacity dehumidifiers were purchased for Washington Elementary, with smaller units moved to the Early Learning Center (precautionary actions). The district collaborated with a mechanical contractor to implement measures that would provide additional mitigation for the HVAC system. Six large units were also placed at the high school. More dehumidifiers are being purchased and will be distributed around the building.
- High School (Week of August 11): Mold was found in some classrooms at the high school. The rooms were cleaned, and additional dehumidifiers were purchased to control humidity levels further. After adding the dehumidifiers and cleaning the rooms, we’ve not seen any recurrence.
- Current Conditions: No other reports of mold have been made or identified since the week of August 11 at Washington Elementary and the High School. Based on this, it appears that our mitigation actions were practical in successfully addressing these building conditions. We will continue our mitigation efforts and monitor the buildings on an ongoing basis to ensure the mitigation actions remain effective. Although we have not seen mold levels like these since 2017, this year’s conditions have made mitigation more challenging. It’s worth noting that Washington (as well as our high school) sits on wet ground with poor drainage. This summer’s unusually heavy rains and persistent high humidity created favorable conditions for mold growth. Washington also has tunnels beneath the building where water can collect, adding moisture to the air.
Our Commitment to You
When it comes to mold, what matters is how quickly and effectively we respond when it appears. Our facilities team has been addressing each occurrence promptly, upgrading systems to enhance air quality, and collaborating with outside experts and insurance representatives. We take the health and safety of students and staff very seriously and are implementing both short-term and long-term improvements at Washington and the high school to prevent recurrence. We will continue to keep you updated as we receive final reports and as further improvements are made. If you have concerns about your child’s health, please consult your family physician. If you have specific questions about the school environment, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Thank you for your partnership and understanding as we continue to address these challenges and provide a safe, healthy school environment for our students.
