By Adam Studzinski

DOWNS – Tri-Valley Elementary School is being forced to close temporarily due to mold issues.

Superintendent David Mouser said the school experienced problems over the summer with its air conditioning after replacing the boiler. This led to higher humidity in the building and mold growth.

“The air quality tests were done. Unfortunately, our humidity levels were too high. Those tests didn’t come back the way we wanted to,” said Mouser. “Nothing major, but enough to where we wouldn’t want teachers or students in the building if they had allergies or that sort of thing.”

Mouser explained they’re working to get the air quality back to acceptable levels. In the meantime, elementary students will be moved to the district’s other buildings and the start of school is being pushed back to Aug. 19.

“Our Pre-K students are going to be in one area of the high school, which is kind of a secluded, different area,” said Mouser. “Our kindergarten classes will also be at the high school, in a different wing.”

1st through 3rd grade classes will be at the middle school.

Mouser said he’s “amazed” at the way teachers have responded.

“Them coming in today (Tuesday) on their own time to be able to try to facilitate how to best serve their students, I think that’s remarkable,” said Mouser. “They’ve set up open houses and orientations, and our older students have reached out to ask how they can help make it easier for the younger kids.”

Mouser believed the elementary school will be shut down about two weeks.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].