News Summary

Explorer Academy in Cabell County, WV, has postponed its school start date due to mold concerns detected in the building. Health officials were alerted to potential mold issues, leading to air quality tests that revealed common outdoor mold spores. Although recommendations suggested minimal intervention, the administration chose to close the school entirely to ensure safety. The rescheduling of classes and orientation is currently undetermined, but an Open House will still be held. The school is committed to thorough cleaning and monitoring the situation closely.

Huntington, WV – Cabell County’s Explorer Academy Delays School Start Due to Mold Discovery

Explorer Academy, a Pre-K through 5th grade school in Cabell County, West Virginia, has announced a postponement of its first day of classes, which was originally scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2025. The decision to delay the start of the school year comes after health and safety concerns arose regarding potential mold in the school building.

Officials received reports of a possible mold issue last Wednesday, prompting immediate action. A mold remediation company was contacted to conduct air quality tests at the school on Thursday. The results were expedited to a laboratory for faster analysis. The testing identified the presence of two common outdoor mold spores: Penicillium and Cladosporium. While these molds are not typically harmful, the school officials decided to take precautionary measures.

Despite recommendations from the mold remediation company to implement fogging in the affected rooms rather than closing the school, the administration opted for a complete closure to prioritize the safety of students and staff. The school day will be rescheduled once the air quality and environment have been deemed safe for return.

Postponed Events

The postponement affects not only the start of classes but also the kindergarten orientation, which will be rescheduled to align with the new first day of school. The specific date for the rescheduled opening remains undetermined as of now. However, the Open House event that is set to take place on Tuesday evening will still proceed as planned. Attendees will be directed to use an entry and exit point in an area of the building that has not been impacted by the mold issue.

Next Steps for Cleaning and Safety

Cabell County Schools (CCS) is taking immediate action to address the mold situation. Cleaning professionals will conduct a thorough cleaning and retesting of the affected areas before students and staff are allowed to return to the school. Principal Ryan McKenzie will be providing guidance to staff regarding necessary assignments and tasks during this closure period.

Continuous Monitoring and Communication

CCS has pledged to continuously monitor the situation and maintain open lines of communication with the community as updates become available. The health and safety of students, staff, and the wider school community remain the top priority as school officials navigate this mold issue.

Background Context

Explorer Academy is one of several schools operated by Cabell County Schools, which serves a diverse population of students in the region. Schools in the area are routinely inspected for health and safety issues, including mold, especially during seasonal changes. The presence of mold spores in indoor environments can result from various factors, including humidity and moisture, often exacerbated by insufficient ventilation. Prompt identification and remediation of mold are crucial in maintaining a safe educational atmosphere for all students and staff.

The proactive measures taken by the school administration highlight a commitment to ensuring a healthy and safe learning environment. Updates concerning the new start date and further information regarding school operations are expected to be communicated to the community as developments unfold.

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Additional Resources

• WV MetroNews: Cabell County School First Day Delayed Due to Mold
• Wikipedia: Mold
• WCHS TV: Cabell County School Postpones First Day of Classes After Mold Found
• Google Search: Mold in Schools
• WSAZ: Mold Issues Postpone First Day of School at One Facility
• Google Scholar: Mold Exposure Health Effects
• WOWK TV: Explorer Academy Delays First Day of School Due to Mold
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mold
• Herald-Dispatch: Explorer Academy Opening Delayed Due to Mold
• Google News: Mold School Delays

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