Norwin superintendent reports mold, structural issues at Knights Stadium; district seals affected areas

Dr. McCracken, the superintendent of the Norwin School District, told the school board that district staff closed portions of Knights Stadium after receiving photos from a parent showing unsanitary conditions in a stadium restroom and other areas.

The superintendent said the district immediately investigated, sealed the affected restroom and a ground-level storage area where mold had been found earlier, and contacted a remediation contractor, Bell 4, to produce a full remediation plan. “The water infiltration and structural deficiencies of the stadium have existed there almost since the structure was built,” Dr. McCracken said, adding that the district has dealt with mold problems historically despite ongoing maintenance.

The board was told the press-box side and the previously sealed bottom storage area were closed pending the remediation work. Dr. McCracken said custodial and maintenance staff have been cleaning and preparing other school facilities for the start of the year; she reported Sheridan Terrace classrooms are cleared and the high school has received additional cleaning.

At least one public commenter who identified herself as speaking on behalf of the Norwin band, Candace Lackey, thanked the district for keeping the stadium accessible for a recent preview show while also criticizing board members she said had leaked information to social media. “I find it to be very unethical and cowardly for certain members of this school board to leak things to social media to perpetuate misinformation at the cost of our children,” Lackey said.

Board members and staff were not recorded taking a formal vote on stadium repairs during the meeting; Dr. McCracken said the board facilities committee and the full board will be advised of conditions and options so the stadium can be used “to the maximum extent possible in the most fiscally responsible manner.” The superintendent said coaches and booster organizations were notified about the closures and the district has professionally cleaned affected student equipment and uniforms.

The superintendent did not provide a dollar estimate for remediation, a timeline for repairs, or firm dates for reopening sealed spaces. The district identified Bell 4 as the remediation contractor and said that contractor was near final stages of work related to areas needed for stadium use. The board did not take further action on the item at the meeting.

Background: Dr. McCracken opened her report by reviewing the district’s opening-day professional development and said AI’s impact on the workplace was a central theme for staff training. She also thanked maintenance and facilities staff for their response ahead of the school year.

The board did not set a public hearing or vote a contract at this meeting; the facilities committee will receive more information at a later date.