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 group and their project. Student Evan Blaskey said his last merit badge was in emergency preparedness and that the work “took a lot of determination” and made him “feel safer knowing stuff.” Student Joseph Astey described camping badge experience and said the scouting work emphasized teamwork. The student group summarized that the Pawtucket Memorial mold problem dates back more than a decade and that, despite more than $1 million in remediation and some HVAC upgrades, mold reoccurs when moisture sources remain.

City response and existing testing: Councilors and city staff said the school department conducts monthly classroom air-quality sampling through an outside contractor and that results can take two to three weeks to return. City officials reported that most recent air tests were at or near outdoor baseline levels, with one classroom testing higher than outdoor results. Staff also said last summer crews performed surface (strip) testing and cleaned six classrooms where visible mold had been found; those areas were HEPA filtered, closed for 48 hours, then retested.

Facilities training and longer-term planning: Speakers referenced a roughly $35,000 training expense the district paid last year for facilities staff on mold remediation; the students asked that training be expanded across the district. Councilors also raised the possibility of seeking Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) project funding for longer-term capital work (roof or HVAC replacement), and city staff said the city is pursuing MSBA opportunities while the district completes other major projects.

Council action: Councilors voted to refer the student report to the city administration for review and to return with recommendations. Councilors who urged referral asked administration to evaluate the students’ testing recommendations, identify funding sources or grant opportunities, and report back with an action plan.

Votes at a glance (other formal actions taken at the Jan. 21 meeting): - Motion to request the city manager have the transportation engineer work with the state to restrict parking between Tyler (Tallinn) Park and Florence Avenue — second by Councilor Noon; motion passed. - Appointment of Eric Nelson to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board — motion to adopt by Councilor Mercia, seconded by Councilor Noon; roll call vote recorded as unanimous in favor. - Acceptance and expenditure of an $800,000 Bridge Investment Project planning grant — motion to adopt by Councilor Scott, seconded by Councilor (Getcha); roll call vote recorded as unanimous in favor. - Authorization for the city manager to execute a license agreement with the Lowell Festival Foundation — motion to adopt by Councilor Dakota, seconded by Councilor Belanger; roll call vote recorded as unanimous in favor.

What happens next: The council’s referral directs administration to analyze the students’ recommendations and report back with recommended actions, potential costs, grant or MSBA options, and proposed timelines. The students asked the council for a commitment to transparent updates and a public dashboard to track remediation work.

For clarity: The presentation and ensuing discussion covered testing methodology (air samples and surface/strip tests), past cleanups, custodial and facilities training, and options for capital funding. City staff said routine air sampling is performed by outside contractors and that detailed reports (including a state review performed previously) are available through state portals. The council did not vote on any capital expenditure at the Jan. 21 meeting; it referred the students’ report for administrative review.