Schools
'Elevated Mold Levels' Closes Stamford School
The school will be closed for a week and possibly longer, according to officials.
STAMFORD, CT — Stamford's Westover Magnet Elementary School will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 31, through Tuesday, Nov. 6, for remediation due to elevated mold levels discovered at the school following preliminary air quality tests Tuesday afternoon, district officials announced.
"In order to expedite the remediation and ensure the safety and health of all students and staff members, the Mold Task Force, established by Mayor David Martin, Superintendent Earl Kim and Board President David Mannis, recommended the removal of all students and staff, instead of relocating them throughout the building," wrote school officials in a statement.
The Mold Task Force comprises City of Stamford Director of Administration Michael Handler, City Engineer Lou Casolo and Interim Director of Operations Cindy Grafstein, as well as SPS Deputy Superintendent Tamu Lucero and Chief Financial and Operations Officer Clarence Zachery.
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Handler told the Stamford Advocate that the school could remain closed for an additional week and could also require additional remediation work during the Thanksgivings and Christmas vacations.
"The district is working closely with the Boys and Girls Club to provide childcare for those families who do not have the option of keeping their children at home during the day," officials stated. "Transportation to the Boys and Girls club will be provided by First Student for those students who require it. Students who need to go to the Boys and Girls club should report to their regularly scheduled bus stops for transportation. To ease the transition for students, the district is providing additional support staff to assist at the Boys and Girls Club. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all students."
Find out what's happening in Stamfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Families are reminded that Wednesday, October 31, is a scheduled early release day, and students will be dismissed from the Boys and Girls Club at 1:20 p.m. Buses will be provided.
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