News Summary
Explorer Academy in Cabell County has postponed its school year start due to mold concerns discovered in the building. Initially scheduled for August 12, the delay prioritizes the health and safety of students and staff. Mold remediation efforts are underway, including air quality testing and cleaning. The kindergarten orientation will also be rescheduled, however, an Open House will still occur in an unaffected area. Principal Ryan McKenzie will keep staff updated on assignments during the closure, ensuring educational continuity until the school reopens.
Cabell County Delays Explorer Academy Start Due to Mold Concerns
Huntington, West Virginia—Explorer Academy, a Pre-K through 5th-grade school in Cabell County, has announced a delay in the start of the school year originally set for Wednesday, August 12, 2025, due to mold-related concerns. School officials deemed it necessary to postpone the opening after mold was discovered in the building.
The issue came to light last Wednesday when school officials were alerted to the potential presence of mold. A mold remediation company was contacted and subsequently tested the air quality at Explorer Academy on Thursday. The results were sent to a lab for expedited analysis, revealing the presence of two common outdoor mold spores: Penicillium and Cladosporium.
While the mold remediation experts recommended utilizing foggers in the affected rooms instead of closing the entire facility, school officials prioritized the safety of students and staff by opting for a closure of the school until the area is thoroughly remedied.
Impact on School Operations
Due to the postponement, kindergarten orientation has also been affected. It will be rescheduled to coincide with the new start date, which has not yet been determined. However, the Open House event planned for Tuesday evening will still take place, with access to an unaffected area of the building for attendees.
Cabell County Schools (CCS) has committed to engaging professional services for a thorough cleaning of the affected areas. This process includes retesting the air quality to ensure it is safe for students and staff before they return to the school environment.
Ongoing Monitoring and Communication
Principal Ryan McKenzie has stated that he will guide staff regarding assignments during the closure, ensuring that educational responsibilities are maintained even while the school is temporarily shut down. CCS plans to closely monitor the situation and keep the community informed with updates until the issue is resolved.
Background on Mold Concerns
Mold is a common environmental concern that thrives in damp and warm conditions. The presence of molds such as Penicillium and Cladosporium can typically be found in outdoor settings, but their detection indoors raises health concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children. Symptoms related to mold exposure can range from allergies and respiratory issues to more severe health problems in susceptible individuals.
In recent years, many schools nationwide have faced similar challenges, leading to increased vigilance regarding building maintenance and air quality control. School districts are increasingly prioritizing student health and safety by implementing stringent cleaning protocols and building assessments, especially leading into the new school year.
As the situation unfolds, Cabell County Schools remains focused on ensuring a safe educational environment for all its students. The community is encouraged to stay engaged and responsive to any further communications from school officials regarding the schedule and health protocols in place.
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Additional Resources
- WV MetroNews: Cabell County School First Day Delayed Due to Mold
- Wikipedia: Mold
- WCHS TV: Cabell County School Postpones First Day of Classes After Mold Found
- Google Search: Mold in Schools
- WSAZ: Mold Issues Postpone First Day of School at One Facility
- Google Scholar: Mold Exposure Health Effects
- WOWK TV: Explorer Academy Delays First Day of School Due to Mold
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mold
- Herald-Dispatch: Explorer Academy Opening Delayed Due to Mold
- Google News: Mold School Delays
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