Superintendent Schneckloth told the board that a high-humidity event in the Davenport Central music room caused instrument damage and elevated mold concerns, prompting immediate mitigation and replacement purchases. The district ordered replacement band and orchestra instruments so students will have instruments available when classes begin next week and mobilized operations and restoration teams to address the space.

Why it matters: the superintendent said the basement area housing music was unusually humid during a recent period and that the air-handler configuration redistributes basement humidity upward when units run. Some district-owned instruments were cracked or damaged by the conditions; district staff said the problem was compounded by district-wide high humidity across the Midwest this season.

Short- and long-term response: in the short term, the district replaced instruments so scheduled band and orchestra activities could start on time. In the longer term, facilities staff and operations will evaluate corrective measures for the basement: the superintendent said the only reliable long-term fix is to isolate the music space and install a dedicated air handler for that floor, a solution that will carry a significant cost. District staff will also inventory district-owned loaner instruments, assess their life cycles and determine a replacement plan.

Board response: members praised the rapid response and asked staff to include instrument inventories and the HVAC remediation plan in long-range facilities planning. No budget action was taken at this meeting, and the superintendent said staff will return with project recommendations likely requiring capital planning and funding.