Lowell students press council to fix long-running mold problem at Pawtucket Memorial School; council refers report to administration

LOWELL, Mass. — Students from Lowell High School told the Lowell City Council on Jan. 21 that mold at Pawtucket Memorial School has persisted for years and requires more comprehensive testing and permanent repairs, and councilors voted to refer the students’ report to the city administration for review and recommendations.

The students and their teacher, Ralph St. Louis, presented an action-research report on conditions at Pawtucket Memorial, saying temporary fixes and monthly air sampling have not addressed hidden contamination tied to moisture and an aging HVAC and roof. The student presenters recommended deeper surface-level testing, “mold-detection dogs” or other advanced methods, a public dashboard to track remediation and repairs, replacement of the HVAC and roof where needed, and expanded training for facilities staff.

Why it matters: Students and multiple councilors described recurring mold as a health and learning impediment for teachers and children. The council’s referral asks administration to review the report, consider the students’ recommendations and return with specific steps, staffing or funding needs, and timelines.

What the students presented: Teacher Ralph St. Louis introduced the…