Beaumont Officials Confirm Mold Detected In Elementary School Rooms

BEAUMONT, CA — Concerns of a possible mold contamination at a Beaumont elementary school prompted administrators to have tests performed earlier this month, which confirmed visible and hidden mold on campus.

Beaumont Unified School District informed parents on May 12 that Forensic Analytical Consulting Services (FACS), an industrial hygiene consulting firm, conducted an inspection which found visible mold in multiple rooms at Brookside Elementary School. The company also collected air samples from the rooms where the mold was found, school officials said in an announcement.

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The school said during the process, previous reports were reviewed and the consulting firm conducted a survey of school staff to share their concern before inspections were performed in the areas school staff identified.

Air samples were collected from additional rooms based on evidence of water intrusion and concern for potential hidden mold. Mold was found above ceiling tiles and behind wallpaper.

The district also said the results of an indoor air sample were elevated compared to outdoor controls for one of the rooms.

BUSD said it is currently working with FACS to develop a plan for mold remediation, which would occur during the summer break.

According to the district, tests showed "favorable air quality results," however the district ordered portable HEPA air filter units "to help maintain acceptable indoor air quality levels until remediation can occur this summer."

In an email to Patch on Thursday, a BUSD spokesperson said the district has been in "active communication" with students' parents, and provided a notice of environmental report which was posted online May 15.

"While the findings in the FACS report did not indicate widespread indoor air quality concerns, the District has taken proactive steps out of an abundance of caution. Portable HEPA air filtration units have been placed in identified areas, and professional remediation work is planned for this summer," a BUSD spokesperson said.

BUSD encouraged anyone with questions or concerns about the matter to contact the superintendent's office by emailing communications@beaumontusd.k12.ca.us.