WARRENSBURG — Martin Warren Elementary School is moving to AMI instruction for Friday, April 10, Warrensburg R-VI Superintendent of Schools Steve Ritter announced in an email to parents.
Ritter’s email states that air quality testing results received determined the need for remote education on Friday. Ritter’s email goes on to state AMI may also be needed for the school during the week of April 13-17. All other buildings will remain in-person.
Martin Warren has also been subject to radon level concerns in recent weeks. According to Ritter’s email, radon testing continues to indicate the building is safe for occupancy.
“Although ongoing radon testing indicates the building remains safe for occupancy, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) results received late this afternoon identified areas that require mitigation for air quality,” Ritter said. “Although these concerns are limited in scope, we believe it is in the best interest of students and staff to remain out of the building during this process. This will allow professionals to complete this work safely and efficiently. We will utilize AMI during this time.”
A report provided to the public by the district indicates that limited mold inspection and air quality testing were conducted on April 3 by Full Service Environmental Consulting.
The report, delivered to the district on Thursday, indicates the relative humidity of Martin Warren was elevated around 55-65%, and “could be a potential issue in the future.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that indoor relative humidity (RH) should be kept below 60%, and if possible, ideally between 30% and 50%.
Humidity levels in eight locations in the school were found to be 53.9% or higher. Six of those locations were higher than 60%, with the highest measure being 63.9%.
Numerous locations in the school were found to have water damage during the inspection.
Several locations of mold growth were also located within the school.
Forty-two spore trap samples were collected, including two exterior control samples.
The samples were examined in laboratories, with several coming back with elevated concentrations of various molds.
The speech “Greenwalt” room showed significantly elevated concentrations of Cladosporium spores.
Room 105 showed significantly elevated concentrations of Cladosporium, Ascopores, Alternaria (=Ulocladium), Basidiospores and Cercospora spores.
Ritter’s email states that ServPro will be on-site Friday to begin the mitigation process
“ServPro will be on-site tomorrow to begin the mitigation process,” Ritter said. “The priority is to ensure that all areas are mitigated before the school is reopened. ServPro will work closely with the maintenance department on what is necessary to ensure the successful completion of the mitigation for a timely and safe return to the school.”
Ritter’s email states that teachers will begin reaching out to students on Thursday evening or on Friday with information about learning activities.
If AMI continues into next week, Chromebooks will be available for pickup on Monday.
The district is posting updates on Martin Warren online at https://www.warrensburgr6.org/article/2785897.
