Sanford schools accelerate radon fixes after elevated readings at middle and elementary buildings

The Sanford School Committee on April 6 heard an update that the district is fast‑tracking radon mitigation work at Sanford Middle School and Sanford Pride Elementary after elevated test results in several areas.

Superintendent Matt said the district has already accelerated planned HVAC upgrades, and crews have located replacement fans for the middle‑school radon mitigation system, with work scheduled for April 14 to bring two additional units online. "We expect the other two units to be online next week," Matt said, adding that those units cover the areas with the highest test results.

At Sanford Pride Elementary the district is working with mitigation specialists on plans to install systems in four remaining areas identified in the allied‑arts lower level. In the interim, Matt said the district is rotating digital monitors through affected rooms, running HVAC systems 24/7 to increase fresh air circulation and scheduling more frequent inspections and preventative maintenance for mitigation equipment.

District officials said licensed professionals and state staff are guiding testing and mitigation steps. Matt said the district is also working with electricians and mitigation contractors to add automatic notifications for electrical or mechanical failures in the mitigation systems.

The committee was not presented with specific radon concentration numbers during the update. The superintendent framed the measures as targeted risk reduction while permanent mitigation work is completed.

Next steps include completing the planned fan replacements at the middle school, following up on mitigation design and installation at Sanford Pride Elementary, continuing rotating digital monitoring, and reporting results as work is completed.