Mold Concerns Prompt Testing, Room Closures At Kinnelon Schools

KINNELON, NJ — Several rooms across Kinnelon Public Schools were being tested or remediated after staff reported mold concerns and musty odors, according to a district letter posted Tuesday.

The air-quality letter, dated September 1, describes concerns at Kinnelon High School, Pearl R. Miller Middle School and Stonybrook School.

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A staff member reported a mold-like odor and possible spores in Rooms 221B and 223 at the high school on August 24. The district contacted Aero Environmental Services Inc. for air-quality and surface testing and Nick Restoration Inc. for remediation and cleaning.

The classrooms were thoroughly cleaned, and contaminated furniture and other items were removed, according to the letter. District officials said the rooms may have experienced poor air circulation after being sealed off from a hallway during construction in the nearby culinary arts classroom. Recent heavy rain, moisture and high humidity may have also contributed.

Musty odors were subsequently reported in Room 225 and the high school band room. Although no visible mold was observed in the band room, the district ordered testing as a precaution.

The letter said the affected high school spaces were not being used and would reopen after testing, cleaning and any necessary remediation were completed. Dehumidifiers were also placed in the rooms.

At Pearl R. Miller Middle School, possible mold growth was observed on ceiling tiles in a counselor's office. The room was being cleaned and tested, with results pending when the letter was written.

Mold was also confirmed over the summer in the Stonybrook School nurse's office. That area was remediated and the ceiling replaced before staff returned, the district said.

"Our highest priority is the health and safety of our entire school community," Superintendent David Mango wrote.

As of Wednesday morning, the district website did not include newer testing results or information about whether the affected rooms had reopened.

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