The Alamance-Burlington School System is moving forward with a major mold remediation project at three schools, with work slated to begin immediately to get schools open on September 5th. A team of more than 300 workers, with up to 2,000 on standby, will perform mold removal and repairs at Cummings High School, Broadview Middle School, and Williams High School.
The total budget for the project is upwards of $3.5 million, with funds allocated as follows:
- Cummings High School: $1.2 million
- Broadview Middle School: $750,000
- Williams High School: $1.55 million
At a joint meeting Monday afternoon, the ABSS County Commissioners approved a motion put forward by Commissioner Craig Turner to allocate up to $3.5 million from the District’s capital reserve funds - previously provided by the Alamance County Board of Commissioners - to cover the remediation costs.
ABSS is in the process of contracting with Builder Services of NC, a commercial mold remediation company based in Raleigh, to complete the work. The company has committed to working 14-16 hour days in order to get the schools ready for students to return on September 5th.
The remediation project comes after recent environmental tests found issues with poor air quality and mold at the three schools, prompting ABSS to delay the start of the school year.
"We have band-aided things for many years here in ABSS. That's not ok under my leadership," said Superintendent Dr. Dain Butler.
The Board of Education and County Commissioners will reconvene their joint meeting on Wednesday at 10am to discuss concerns reported at other ABSS schools and develop further plans to improve District facilities.