Granville elementary schools to reopen after 'deep cleaning' for mold

The Granville County Public Schools Board of Education approved students' return pending the clearance of all surface and air quality tests conducted by an independent laboratory. According to the plan,all mechanical systems that may have contributed to the mold, including outdated HVAC systems and roof leaks, will be replaced or renovated.

Tests conducted earlier that day found mold on hard surfaces in some of the buildings and classrooms, prompting officials to close the school for the “immediate future.”

"We realize this is a massive inconvenience to everyone, but we are not willing to take any chances with the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff," said a spokesperson for the Butner-Stem Elementary School.

In a statement, Granville County Schools Superintendent Dr. Dr. Alisa R. McLean addressed parents specifically, offering her personal apologies. "As a working mother, I fully appreciate the difficulty this situation may have placed on our families," she said. "However, when it comes to the safety and well-being of our children and staff members, I cannot take any chances."