MONESSEN, PA — A Pittsburgh-area school district is delaying the start of classes by two weeks after "abnormalities" were found in some district buildings and fungal growth was detected in multiple rooms via an air quality screening.
The Monessen City School District had been scheduled to begin the 2026-27 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Classes now will start on Tuesday Sept. 8, Superintendent Robert Motte announced Saturday in a post on the district Facebook page.
"This delay is being implemented as a precautionary measure to complete necessary building maintenance and ensure a safe, fully prepared environment for our students and staff," Motte stated.
"Additional information will be shared in the coming days on our website and parent communication channels. Thanks you for your patience and support as we prepare for the school year."
In a message to students and parents last week, Motte said unspecified abnormalities were found in multiple locations in district buildings.
On Saturday, the school district released the findings of an air quality test conducted in the middle/high school buildings.
The findings of a limited screening confirmed "fungal growth on sampled water-damaged building materials in the men's room near room H-108, the women's room near room H-108, the office's women's room and adjacent office area, and the concession room."
The concessions area showed the most significant airborne amplification. Other areas showed lower concentrations but still showed fungal growth.
Remediation efforts are expected to be underway soon.
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