Explorer Academy Delays School Start Due to Mold Discovery

Categories: National School NewsWeather Delays/Cancellations

Mold remediation team conducting safety measures at Explorer Academy.

News Summary

Explorer Academy in Cabell County has announced a delay in its inaugural classes after discovering possible mold within the premises. Following reports of air quality concerns, testing identified common outdoor mold spores, prompting school officials to close the facility for safety. The opening day and Kindergarten orientation have been rescheduled, but an Open House will still take place. Cabell County Schools is committed to ensuring a safe environment for students and staff and will undertake thorough cleaning and retesting before reopening.

Cabell County’s Explorer Academy Delays School Start Due to Mold Discovery

Huntington, West Virginia – Explorer Academy, a Pre-K through 5th grade school located in Cabell County, will delay its inaugural day of classes originally slated for Wednesday, August 12, 2025, following the discovery of possible mold within the premises. This postponement comes after officials received alerts last week regarding the air quality at the school building.

Concerns about the presence of mold were raised last Wednesday when school officials were notified. The following day, a mold remediation company conducted air quality tests to determine the extent of any contamination. These results were fast-tracked to a laboratory for prompt analysis to ensure a swift response to the situation.

The air quality testing revealed the presence of two common outdoor mold spores: Penicillium and Cladosporium. These types of mold are frequently found in outdoor environments but can pose health risks indoors if present in high quantities. In light of these findings, the mold remediation company suggested using foggers in affected areas instead of closing the school; however, school officials opted to close the facility as a precautionary measure to prioritize the health and safety of students and staff.

The delay will also affect the Kindergarten orientation, which has been rescheduled to coincide with the new first day of school, a date that has yet to be determined. Despite the closure, an Open House event is still planned for Tuesday evening, and will be conducted by utilizing an entry and exit point through an unaffected area of the building.

Cabell County Schools (CCS) has stated they will engage with professionals for a thorough cleaning of the affected areas before allowing students and staff to return to school. The CCS will also ensure retesting of these areas to confirm that they are safe for re-entry. Principal Ryan McKenzie has announced that guidance will be provided to staff concerning their assignments during this closure, so that the educational process remains covered.

Continued Communication

CCS has committed to keeping the community updated on the situation as it develops. They are actively monitoring the issue and will provide further updates as they obtain new information. The health and safety of students and staff remain the top priority for school officials in Cabell County.

Background Context

Explorer Academy serves children from Pre-K through 5th grade and is a crucial educational institution in the region. Mold in educational settings can pose various health concerns, including respiratory issues, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children. Mold exposure can lead to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and skin irritation, making the proactive measures being taken by school officials necessary and essential for the wellbeing of their students.

As schools prioritize safe learning environments for children, this incident highlights the importance of regular inspections and prompt responses to environmental concerns. Cabell County Schools is expected to rely on expert advice to resolve the issue efficiently to ensure a healthy and safe educational atmosphere moving forward.