Del Sur Elementary School in San Diego County has extended its closure until January 2027 due to the discovery of mold in multiple areas of the campus. The Poway Unified School District, which oversees the school, initially planned for a brief relocation and a September 21 reopening.
However, district officials determined that the necessary remediation and testing of building systems would require a longer timeline. Air America, a testing firm, detected mold in six of 17 evaluated areas in July. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that exposure to damp and moldy environments can lead to various health effects, particularly for individuals with mold allergies or respiratory conditions.
“Our priority is creating a safe and supportive learning environment for students. If the campus is ready sooner, we will return sooner; if additional work is needed, we will take the time necessary to complete it,” the district stated.
Parents have expressed concerns about the impact of mold on their children's health. Kristen Montan, a parent whose daughter attended Del Sur Elementary, reported that her child experienced significant health issues, including severe headaches, stomach problems, insomnia, and skin issues, which she believes were linked to mold exposure. Lab work eventually indicated extremely high levels of mold in her daughter's system, consistent with molds found in the school.
Following independent classroom testing by a Del Sur Elementary teacher that revealed mold consistent with her daughter's conditions, Montan initiated an online petition seeking accountability from the school district. Despite initial remediation efforts, including replacing air filters and cleaning floors, follow-up testing indicated lingering issues in several rooms, according to reports. The extended closure will allow crews to complete the necessary work and ensure the safety of the learning environment before students and staff return.