Students From Moldy Maine School May Soon Return to In-Person Learning

A Maine middle school that abruptly shut down for the foreseeable future sighting concerns for student and staff safety, is planning to return students to in-person learning in the near future.

According to an article from WGME 13, the Mountain Valley Middle School in Mexico had shut down after an air quality test by an industrial hygienist found the air unsafe for people to breathe.

On Tuesday, October 8, RSU 10 Superintendent Deb Allen sent a message to staff and parents about the school closure, the news station reported, and she explained that a mold spore test had detected mold in the air and on some classroom items.

Superintendent, Deb Alden, wrote in part in a letter to parents and staff,

Dear MVMS Staff, Parents, and Families, This is not a letter I have ever wanted to write.

However, it is necessary in our quest to be transparent and have honest and upfront communication with all of you in the most timely fashion possible. After meeting this afternoon with Mark Coleman, the Senior Industrial Hygienist from Sevee & Maher Engineers, regarding the latest air quality testing and follow up in MVMS yesterday, it is apparent that most of the building is no longer a healthy place to work and learn in.

Now, weeks later, it looks like those same students may soon be returning to safe in-person learning. According to an article from WGME 13, school officials say they are finalizing details on a plan to get kids back to the classroom...sort of.

School officials are currently working with the town of Mexico to get students back to 'school' by having them work out of two other town buildings, one of which is in the process of becoming the town's new fire station.