The Department of Public Health toured Pulaski Elementary Friday morning in response to a recent outbreak of mold in the school, and are expected to release a report early next week.
Large metal air cleaners continue to filter air in three basement rooms – including a computer lab – at Pulaski Elementary School.
Wilmington City Councilwoman Sherry Dorsey Walker calls the recent outbreak of mold an issue of environmental justice.
And she says mold isn’t the only issue, claiming the school is also dealing with mildew, mice, maggots and termites.
Christina Facility Services Manager Nicholas Koski-Vacirca says finding mold is not unusual.
“I don’t believe mold is a bizarre situation. Mold is in every building you ever walk in," he said. "There’s mold outside.”
He notes it’s when mold levels rise that there’s cause for concern. Mold concerns surfaced at the end of August, followed by a walk-through inspection and air quality test.
Koski-Vacirca helped provide the initial assessment to determine if the level of mold required contacting third party vendors to bring in equipment like air cleaners.
“That investigation includes looking in ceilings, looking in HVAC equipment – the heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment – it’s looking at surfaces, materials that are in the room, the closet," Koski-Vacirca said.
He says subsequent clean-up lowered mold levels according to a second air quality test in mid-September.
But surface mold was found again on September 22nd, leading to more cleaning. Earlier this month, district officials decided to bring in another company to test and respond.
Koski-Vacirca says a summer water main break and a breakdown in the school’s air conditioning system likely combined to create the issue.
He adds they’ll take a harder look at ways to ensure mold can be identified and addressed more effectively in the future.
“Because of my military background, every situation you’re involved in involves an after-action report, an evaluation. So you look at the steps you took, where you could have maybe done better, where we did go above and beyond and you make sure your protocols and your process forward is adjusted.”
He agrees with Christina superintendent Robert Andrzejewski’s suggestion that a checklist for teachers be created– indicating what to look out for when it comes to potential signs of mold.
Two separate air quality tests - from both Batta Environmental and Harvard Environmental - are expected by October 17th. Until then, the filters remain.
Dorsey Walker wants to make sure all schools are safe and clean for kids - adding she’s heard of issues of mice and mold have also been found at other Christina schools including Bancroft Elementary and Newark High School.
