Pender County Schools is addressing a facility concern in the kindergarten and preschool area at C.F. Pope Elementary School as the school prepares for the start of a new school year.
Areas of possible mold-like growth were found in some classrooms in that part of the school. Based on what we know at this time, the growth appears to be a recent condition that developed while the HVAC system was temporarily shut down as part of planned improvements to the school’s heating and air conditioning system.
Other buildings on campus were also inspected, and no similar growth was found.
A professional cleaning team has been working at C.F. Pope to address the affected areas. Carpets in those areas have been removed and sent out for cleaning, and the affected spaces have been hand-cleaned.
The next step is indoor air quality testing. An outside third-party company will conduct that testing Tuesday, August 18, with results expected within 24 hours. The affected classrooms will not be used until the cleaning and testing process is complete and we have the results.
We understand many families are also looking ahead to our Open House scheduled for Thursday, August 20. Our goal is to hold Open House as planned. We expect the testing results Wednesday and will update families once we have those results and can confirm our plans.
The first day of school is Monday, August 24. This work is taking place now, before students return to campus, and we will continue to make sure our classrooms are ready to welcome them.
Families may have questions, especially after seeing photos and information shared on social media. We will continue to provide updates about what we know, what has been done and what happens next.
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Thank you for your patience as we complete this process.