Students at a Massachusetts middle/high school have yet to start classes this year due to a mold problem, now officials are trying to figure out how to fix the problem and make up for lost classroom time.
Instead of teaching science and art inside the classroom, teachers are getting painting projects done outside Quaboag Regional Middle/High School in Warren.
That’s because the start of school for students has been delayed due to the discovery of mold in late August.
"When all the teachers came back there were several problems reported, we did our due diligence and unfortunately we discovered mold throughout the building," said Dr. Brett Kustigian, Quaboag Regional Superintendent.
Service Master crews were called in, but it’s a tedious process to remediate mold — meaning the start of school scheduled for Sept. 4 had to be pushed back indefinitely.
"Testing is actually occurring right now as we speak. I will get the results on Monday and hopefully on Tuesday, fingers crossed, we will be back in school," said Kustigian.
The superintendent said they looked at portable classrooms and using space in neighboring communities, but the most cost-effective solution seemed to be double sessions.
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"We're looking at grades 9-12 in the morning and grades 7 and 8 in the afternoon," said Kustigian.
At this point, the hope is to use the middle school wing for those split sessions, but the full building may not be available for another two to four weeks.
"I don't really care as long as I get back to school, because I don’t want this stopping me from learning," said 8th grader Hannah Manzaro.
Students and parents NBC10 Boston talked to were understanding.
"That's kind of cool too because I'm going to go to school for half days for like a month like that’s OK, said senior Katelynn Nichols.
"I think the options that they're giving us parents and the students are the best that they can do with what we have going on," added student Angie Manzaro.
The superintendent said school officials will be putting updates on the school website and a call out to parents if needed.
Monday, Kustigan announced that school would not be able to start Tuesday.
"While we are making progress, we needed every room to accommodate students and there remains a few areas of concern," Kustigan wrote in a statement. "This requires additional time."
