Culture

Obama Elementary mold cleanup continues; All laptops getting replaced

Obama Elementary mold cleanup continues; All laptops getting replaced

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Richmond Public Schools is accelerating mold cleanup at Barack Obama Elementary School, with crews wrapping up work on the top floor and conducting additional air tests on Wednesday.

Everything is on track so far, as the school aims to get teachers into the building by Monday and wants to get students back in the building as soon and as safely as possible, without rushing the process.

However, the school mold problem may be spreading beyond Obama Elementary.

Tests are underway after possible mold was discovered at Frances McClenney and Bellevue Elementary schools. Both schools remained open on Wednesday, but some classrooms are blocked off.

At McClenney, one room is impacted, and students were able to be moved.

Right now, it is unclear if there is actual mold in the two additional schools. The division said it was alerted to a “possible presence” that could also be dirt on the walls.

As testing continues, the division is also increasing its cleaning staff to 33 personnel. Relative humidity across the facility is 39%–56%.

Beginning on Thursday, Aug. 27, the Richmond City Parks & Recreation Department has agreed to host Obama Elementary students at Pine Camp Arts & Community Center.

Attendance is not mandatory. The daily schedule will focus on academic and enrichment activities led by teachers at Obama.

For parents like Meredith Riley, it provides some relief. Her daughter at Obama has Type 1 Diabetes, which adds another layer of anxiety.