Remediation Status
Last updated November 30th, 2023, 11:07 AM
Post Remediation Clearance Summaries and detailed Pre-Remediation Reports for all buildings impacted are linked below.
We are happy to report CLEAN & HEALTHY SCHOOLS for our ABSS Community!
*Due to security concerns, floor plans from the reports have been redacted.
There are currently no federal or state threshold limits set for acceptable levels of mold or mold spores specifically in school environments.
The EPA does not regulate indoor mold levels, nor have any federal mold remediation standards been established for schools.
The Alamance-Burlington School System worked closely with industrial hygiene professionals who specialize in mold remediation to develop a comprehensive plan to address mold issues in our schools. These professionals recommended guidelines aligned with current best practices in the industrial hygiene field.
In the absence of federal standards, our district relied on the expert guidance of these specialists to remediate mold using industry-recognized procedures.
All schools underwent thorough post-remediation inspections by the industrial hygienists to ensure the areas were properly remediated.
ABSS remains committed to following expert guidance to provide safe and healthy learning environments for our students and staff. We will continue monitoring conditions and working with specialists as needed to maintain high standards for facilities across the District.
Remediation Steps:
Inspection and testing by third-party industrial hygienist
Buildings are cleaned using an antimicrobial cleaning solution based on industrial hygienist protocol along with HEPA filtering of air.
Post-remediation verification is done. (Team of third-party industrial hygienists test surfaces and air quality.)
Third-party lab reads results and generates a clearance certificate for schools to post.
By the Numbers:
Over 30 Schools Passed Remediation Verification Testing
More than 60 Separate Site Visits were made
More than 520 Samples were Taken
12 Full-Time Indoor Environment Professionals were Onsite
Around 1,500 man hours were spent
1 Full Time Laboratory Analyst was Onsite
1 Local Lab had Dedicated Analysts on Staff, including Weekends
Testing In Progress | Remediation In Progress | Awaiting Post-Remediation Verification | Cleared Schools/Sites |
|---|---|---|---|
None | All Schools have completed remediation. | All Schools have received post-remediation verification. | All Schools are cleared for re-entry. Sellars-Gunn Vaughn Road - Central Services |
Remediation Cleaning Solutions
Below is the EPA label and SDS sheet for the Anti-Microbial solution that was used at the majority of schools.
ProKure V EPA Label
https://online.flippingbook.com/view/595129683/
ProKure V SDS
Ongoing Projects
Since voters approved the Education Bond of 2018, multiple projects have been underway, including roof repairs, HVAC overhauls, remodeling, and renovations. In addition, ABSS has used its capital funds which come from sales tax proceeds and approved by the Alamance County Commissioners for safety and general maintenance.
Updates
ABSS DETECTS MOLD AT CENTRAL SERVICES, RELOCATES SOME STAFF TEMPORARILY
September 12, 2023
Mold has been detected in parts of the Alamance-Burlington School System's Central Services building, prompting the temporary relocation of affected staff to other areas. Curriculum and superintendent staff are operating out of Graham Middle School until remediation is complete. This will not impact enrollment or services. Remediation is expected to take a few days, following summer mold impacts to 30 ABSS schools. Superintendent Dr. Dain Butler said healthy work environments are a priority, which is why all buildings were thoroughly checked. Moving forward, ABSS will meet with County Commissioners to implement lasting solutions with experts to prevent recurrence. The district appreciates the community's patience during this process.
ABSS RECEIVES ADDITIONAL COUNTY SUPPORT TO CONTINUE MOLD REMEDIATION EFFORTS
September 5th, 2023
The County Commissioners allowed ABSS to reallocate $3.9M originally for a roof project towards urgent mold remediation efforts across the district. This enables intensive work to continue in nearly 30 schools, 16 with identified toxigenic mold. Over 2,000 contractors are cleaning ductwork, replacing ceiling tiles, and eliminating mold. ABSS shifted into crisis response mode when severe mold was discovered, assessing schools, hiring contractors, and developing solutions over 45 days. Air quality results will be posted once remediation is complete. Superintendent Butler emphasized the need for preventative maintenance and funding going forward to avoid recurrence, including roof repairs, HVAC testing, and dehumidification. The focus remains opening schools on September 11th, but the district wants to have conversations about prevention plans and funding post-crisis.
ENSURING SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS: START OF SCHOOL FOR ABSS DELAYED TO SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
September 2nd, 2023
Due to the recent discovery of toxigenic mold in over 25 schools, ABSS has made the difficult decision to delay the start of school until September 11th. This will allow time for professional remediation experts to thoroughly clean affected materials and HVAC systems, and for air quality testing to certify buildings are safe. The Board understands this is inconvenient but believes the brief postponement is necessary to open under safe conditions, as student health is the top priority. Nearly $17M has been allocated by the County Commissioners to address these urgent issues. The District is working to keep Spring Break intact and announce student food distribution sites. Additional staff will be present on the new first day to help students transition smoothly. ABSS appreciates families' patience and looks forward to welcoming students back on September 11th.
PATIENCE REQUESTED AS ABSS BATTLES MOLD CRISIS BEFORE SCHOOL REOPENS
September 1st, 2023
After a joint meeting between the Board of Education and County Commissioners, approximately $7M more was allocated for accelerated mold remediation over the weekend by 2,000+ contractors so schools can reopen soon. This brings the total County funding to over $17M to address urgent issues. The funds allow shifting monies originally for roofs towards more pressing needs. Board Chair Ellington-Graves acknowledged being in "crisis mode" and asked for patience. Superintendent Butler felt the three joint meetings this week were productive for developing a long-term plan for critical facility repairs, which the Commissioners seem supportive of. The goal is being proactive to ensure safe, healthy learning environments moving forward. The District Mold Dashboard will remain updated throughout the weekend.
BOARD AGREES TO FORGIVE FIRST FIVE DAYS TO KEEP SCHOOL CALENDAR INTACT
August 28th, 2023
ABSS will forgive first five instructional days missed this week due to mold issues and make it optional work days for staff, still meeting the annual requirement of 1025 hours. The district apologized for inconvenience but said this is a learning experience to improve maintenance practices going forward.