ACTION ITEM

1.

Pulaski Elementary School Air Quality

Superintendents Recommendation:
Guidance from Batta Environmental Associates, Inc.* (Batta) -- continue remediation plan
for the Computer Room and Room 10/11. Rooms should not be utilized during
remediation.
The remaining areas within the school may be occupied while the mold issue is resolved.
Our facilities team performed cleaning measures in the identified rooms three times.
Although OSHA guidance for Level 1 mold presence states that remediation can be
conducted by regular building maintenance staff, our intent is to engage a remediation firm
(example ServPro), to address these identified rooms.

2.

Background/Analysis:
The Board may recall that during the summer, there were breaks in the public water main,
near Pulaski, which caused flooding in the building. The District had previously engaged
Batta for air quality testing, at the site. Based upon the initial site visit by Batta, actions to
address the air quality, including clearing and cleaning target areas, were performed.
During the September 20th school board meeting, a teacher (during public comment) raised
concern regarding the air quality at Pulaski Elementary School.
Following the Board meeting (Wednesday), Facilities conducted an in-depth visual
examination of the basement, computer lab and adjoining rooms, that previously tested
positive for elevated levels of mold spores. Inspections included areas above the ceiling,
ductwork, insulation, walls, furniture, closets, curriculum materials and technology
equipment.
No indication of surface mold was found on the ceiling, walls, ductwork, insulation or
furniture. Small amounts of surface mold were detected on some boxed curriculum
materials and some technology materials stored in a closet. These items were
subsequently removed.
Laptops were delivered to Pulaski Elementary School for student testing, instead of using
the computer lab.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Additional activities subsequently completed:

Re-clean all of the basement areas using Vindicator a disinfectant/cleaner that is
effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and inhibits the
growth of mold and mildew.
Replace identified ceiling tiles.
Change inside filters in the HVAC system.
Have exterior HVAC filters changed by outside contractor.
Run de-humidifiers throughout the entire cleaning process.
Adjustments to the HVAC system by contractor for temperature and humidity
Air Sample performed by Batta 9/29 & Tested by EMLAB P&K
Communication indicated: The Computer Room and rooms 10/11 show a moderate
airborne mold concentration which indicates that intervention in these rooms is
recommended to reduce mold presence. The total visible surface mold within these rooms
was less than 10 S.F and is categorized as a Level 1 according to the OSHA guidance
document titled a brief guide to mold in the workplace
https://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib101003.html

The other areas tested (Tech Room, Library, Room 103) did NOT indicate any elevated
mold levels or mold contamination. No further action is needed in these areas.
Level 1
Remediation can be conducted by regular building maintenance staff
Removing people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary
Containment of the work area is not necessary

* Batta Environmental Associates, Inc. is a Delaware based international company that

has been in business since 1982. Batta provides various environmental services to various
agencies of the Federal Government; State and Local Governments; School Districts
throughout Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania; and companies including DuPont.
3.

Fiscal Impact:

4.

Prepared By: Staff

5.

Board Meeting Date: October 4, 2016

BOARD OF EDUCATION