OTISFIELD — Work to eradicate mold from the interior walls of the Community School is progressing quicker than expected, Facilities Director David Marshall said.

“Right now it’s going very well,” Marshall said. The first three stages of the five-stage project have been completed and mold-infested interior walls and windows have been removed from classrooms and the library since school ended earlier this month.

The $1 million project is being completed after tests confirmed the presence of mold throughout the walls of the school from the interior of the Sheetrock to the brick exterior walls. It has also been found to be heavily accumulated in windows, Marshall said. Air quality testing was conducted throughout the school year to ensure the air was safe for students and staff while it was encapsulated in the walls.

Officials believe the problem was caused by several factors including moisture coming into the interior of the exterior walls from the roof and leaking windows. Officials also believe the blockage of exterior foundation weep holes by dirt, caused in part by poor grading, contributed to the problem. Although some of the problem was resolved by drainage work, the mold remained on the inside of the walls and even studs and will continue to grow if not removed.

Marshall said once the latest set of air quality tests are returned this week, the Sheetrock can be replaced and the heating systems that had to be pulled out can go back into place along with the new insulation and new windows.

“If they’re given clearance, they can start the reconstruction phase,” Marshall said.

While the work is being done, no one is allowed in the building. All desks and other furniture have been placed in the centrally located gym.

The tentative project end date is August 12 which will allow enough time to put all the furniture back in place and to prepare for the start of school, he said.

On June 14, voters approved the plan to fund the $1,012,659 project through renovation revolving funds, market rate bonds and the school district’s capital reserve.

Under the financing plan, the district will borrow $793,993 through the state’s revolving renovation fund program. The state will pick up $405,492 of the loan while the district will pay $388,500 at zero percent interest. The district will also issue bonds for $156,666 and use $62,000 from the capital reserve fund that voters already established.

School officials have said there are no viable alternatives to the $1 million mold removal project. Enrollment figures indicate that none of the other elementary schools could accommodate the students from the Otisfield school, nor would renting space be an alternative because that would cost more for an indefinite period of time while the Otisfield school would still have to be heated and maintained even if empty.

ldixon@sunjournal.com

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