Public and board raise mold, trailer and new‑school concerns; district says four‑classroom trailer ordered for winter move‑in

During public comment and board discussion on Sept. 11, speakers raised continuing concerns about mold in school buildings and asked for updates on temporary trailers and plans for a new school.

A speaker identified as Dr. Shepherd (who also serves as superintendent in the meeting context) said parts of recent repairs to an attached gym showed recurring mold over the summer and asked for an update on the trailers that had been announced earlier. She said the original on‑site work included only “four sticks in the ground” and that grass had been mowed but no slabs or permanent infrastructure had yet been placed.

Superintendent Shepherd later told the board the division has ordered trailers and that delivery is likely in October. She said the trailers would be available for move‑in at winter break because site infrastructure must be installed first. Shepherd also clarified that the single ordered modular unit contains four classrooms rather than four separate trailers.

Board members asked technical questions about whether roof or HVAC systems were being rechecked where condensation recurred. Shepherd said some parts of older buildings bring in a high percentage of outside air without dehumidification and that those systems can cause moisture problems that lead to mildew or mold. She linked the recurring moisture to older HVAC and ventilation configurations in buildings updated at different times.

On bus‑driver practices, a board member asked whether drivers were allowed to stop for meals while transporting students. Shepherd said drivers on field trips or extracurricular runs may stop for dinner, but buses that begin routes with students and then return home are expected only to refuel and not to make meal or grocery stops. She described that as a practice rather than a formal written policy.

Why it matters: recurring moisture and mold in schools pose facility‑condition and health concerns for students and staff. The district’s plan to add a modular classroom unit and to prepare infrastructure for move‑in over winter break affects short‑term capacity and scheduling. The transcript captures requests for further investigation and facility work but does not record any new capital appropriation beyond the earlier CIP reappropriation vote.

Provenance: This article draws on public comment beginning with the speaker noting mold issues and on superintendent responses during the meeting.