Mold concerns push back start of school year in Michigan
- Saline Middle School's start date is postponed from Monday to Wednesday due to mold remediation efforts.
- Dundee Community Schools announced a second delay in their school year start due to mold found in nine classrooms.
- Both districts are taking proactive steps to ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff.
In Washtenaw County, Michigan, the start of the new school year at Saline Middle School has been postponed due to the discovery of mold and high humidity levels in some classrooms. Initially scheduled to commence on Monday, classes will now begin on Wednesday. The superintendent informed families that the mold situation likely originated during the summer when the school was unoccupied and undergoing construction. Restorative measures have been initiated by professional crews who are cleaning, testing, and addressing the mold issue to ensure a safe environment for students and staff. Dundee Community Schools, also in Michigan, has faced a similar situation, resulting in their second delay of the school year. Initially set to begin on August 26, classes will now commence on September 2. Mold was discovered in nine classrooms, and subsequent cleaning efforts were not enough to fully eradicate the problem. As a precaution, the district has expanded testing and treatment to cover all areas that may be used by students and staff. This added precaution is aimed at preventing further environmental risks associated with mold. Both schools have communicated transparently with families regarding the delays and the steps being taken to remediate the mold issue. Saline's Superintendent Rachel Kowalski emphasized the need for thorough environmental testing, expressing gratitude toward families for their patience during this process. Similarly, Superintendent Scott Leach of Dundee has acknowledged the return of mold despite previous cleanup efforts, indicating the severity of the situation. These delays in the school year are indicative of broader challenges faced by school districts in Southeast Michigan, as they navigate health and safety concerns while also managing necessary educational schedules. The unusual humid weather this summer has been cited as a contributing factor to these mold growths, leading districts to reassess their HVAC systems and implement measures to reduce further issues. Educational leaders are working diligently to create safe learning environments conducive to the health of all individuals in these school communities.