Northwestern Lehigh’s new superintendent Jennifer Holman has found herself in a “sticky,” well maybe not exactly sticky, but definitely a moldy situation, just as classes were scheduled to begin Aug. 27 for students in the middle school.

According to a posting on the district website, “mold or mildew is appearing on porous and upholstered surfaces, such as chairs, in several classrooms on the lower level of the middle school.”

Holman spoke with The Press on Aug. 24, explaining why classes for middle schoolers need to be delayed.

She explained there is not enough time to turn around acceptable air quality results before the original date for the start of middle school classes. Teachers will take part in professional development days (Act 80) on Aug. 27 and 28 in other district buildings.

Holman described the situation as a “minor inconvenience” but said keeping students safe was the priority.

“We won’t put kids or staff back in a space that we can’t assure is safe,” Holman said.

Holman said updates on the situation will be provided throughout the weekend via the district website, Facebook and Twitter.

Holman had earlier posted the following notice on the school district website for parents, students and members of the community:

“This message is to notify you that Northwestern Lehigh Middle School is experiencing a moisture issue, which has resulted in an air quality/mold concern in several rooms throughout the building.

“When this came to our attention, as a proactive measure, we removed access for faculty to these rooms until an air quality test could be performed.

“Additionally, we relocated our orientation session scheduled for Wednesday and did not allow student access to the affected rooms. Mr. Dovico [Middle School Principal William Dovico] also shared this information with parents during orientation.

“As you know, we have had a very moist summer and it is not uncommon to experience these types of issues when returning from summer and occupying a space that has not been occupied all summer.

“In the past several years, we have implemented increased drainage along with recommendations for air conditioning to prevent excess moisture from occurring. Upon visual inspection, our issue appears to be mold or mildew that is appearing on porous and upholstered surfaces, such as chairs, in several classrooms on the lower level of the middle school.

“The district administration developed a plan to perform an air quality test and remediate through a specific cleaning method by a professional remediation company.

“The air quality testing occurred Aug. 22 and the initial results indicate higher than acceptable levels of mold spores in the lower level classrooms of Northwestern Lehigh Middle School. The second floor classrooms tested within acceptable levels.”

According to the district website, professional remediation and cleaning began Aug. 23 with an additional 48 hours scheduled of air scrubbing in all of the affected areas. A second air quality test after all the remediation has occurred.

“Keeping the health, safety, and well-being of all students and staff in mind, we have decided to modify the schedule for the first week for Northwestern Lehigh Middle School as follows:

·Monday, Aug. 27, 2018: No school for students / Act 80 day for teachers; and

·Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018: No school for students / Act 80 day for teachers.”

The website posting states the district will provide an update on the evening of Aug. 28 regarding the remainder of the week’s schedule.

The decision will be based upon the results received from the second air quality test as well as any recommendations made to us by the outside air quality expert.

“We realize this is an inconvenience and disappointment as we enter the 2018-19 school year, and we hope you understand the safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” Holman wrote in the Aug. 24 posting.