A mold problem at Eunice Junior High School is closing the facility during October, according to a letter to parents from St. Landry Parish School Superintendent Patrick Jenkins.
In a separate notice, it was announced the students would continue their education with virtual instruction.
“Our classroom spaces at Eunice Junior High have been compromised with high humidity and excessive moisture. With this in mind classroom spaces have been recently evaluated. We know drastic changes in weather such as significant wind and rain results in rapid changing temperatures and high humidity which can impact the indoor spaces. Electrical power losses to these indoor spaces along with periods of occupancy followed by periods of no occupancy makes managing our indoor spaces very difficult,” the letter stated.
The letter continued that multiple classrooms located at Eunice Junior High appear to have encountered elevated humidity resulting in some visible mold growth in the main building.
“Please be assured, this is not black mold. As is typical this usually occurs on the underneath surfaces of furnishings. This finding is not uncommon but when found, it is appropriate to clean the space in order to maintain the safest indoor environment we can provide,” it stated.
“Based on these findings the St. Landry Parish School Board has elected to temporarily close the Eunice Junior High School site for the remainder of the month of October. This will allow for a thorough cleaning of these rooms followed by visual inspections to assure the absence of visible mold and air testing both directed at ensuring indoor air mold spores is below outdoor air mold spores in both generic type and quantity. A certified mold removal and restoration company will be responsible for this process,” the letter stated.