Fall River board approves elementary wing repairs after wall-moisture and mold tests

The Fall River School Board approved phase two of elementary-wing repairs after district staff reported elevated moisture in exterior wall cavities and limited mold findings.

Facilities staff briefed the board that air-quality testing and targeted inspections found moisture levels in some exterior walls high enough to risk future mold growth. Brian Anderson, speaking for administration, said the district installed three inches of closed-cell foam in a test room three weeks earlier and saw immediate improvements in temperature and humidity control. Anderson told the board the recommended next steps are to remove affected drywall and wallpaper, install closed-cell foam in nine similarly constructed classrooms and seal flashing at exterior transitions.

Anderson said crews will take precautions to remove materials without contaminating building systems and that bringing remediation teams in to work on multiple rooms at once would lower per-room costs. He estimated a high-end cost of about $75,000 for taking apart and remediating the nine classrooms, and said some costs could be covered through capital remodeling funds rather than the district's general fund.

Board members asked for clarification about the air-quality testing; administrators said routine HVAC testing showed systems are operating within requirements and that found mold levels were not high enough to require evacuation but warranted remediation and monitoring. The board voted to approve phase two of the elementary wing repair and to proceed with sealing and insulation work, with administration noting they will continue air-quality monitoring and verify results after remediation.

The board discussed funding options and the treasurer noted capital/remodeling and interest-on-borrowing accounts as potential sources; administration said final contract values depend on returned bids and further testing.