Mounds school condemned because of dangerous mold

MOUNDS, Ill. -- A Southern Illinois school building was condemned after education officials announced Friday that potentially dangerous black mold was so prevalent, the building wasn't safe for students.

The announcement by regional superintendent of schools Janet Ulrich said the Meridian Elementary School building in Mounds was condemned and the doors were locked Friday. A sign saying the building is unfit for occupation was posted outside.

An architect was called in May, and the Illinois Department of Labor confirmed the presence of black mold in the building. After a second review and a walk-through by a state board of education health and safety official, a letter from the Illinois State Board of Education came to Ulrich's office this week with a recommendation to condemn the building.

Meridian Elementary's 450 students have shared Meridian High School this year in shifts as the problem was investigated. Plans for the demolition of the elementary and construction of a new building haven't been determined, according to the news release.

When the elementary school was built 32 years ago, it did not require a vapor barrier -- a strong sheet of plastic between the brick wall, insulation and drywall that would keep moisture from collecting.

"The weather has been very moist over the last several years, especially since 2011, and with the heavy rains in the spring," Ulrich said. "In the spring, we had some rain do damage to the high school, and then you take into consideration no vapor barriers and it's in a low-lying area. It probably should not have been built in that area for this reason."

The lack of windows in the classroom section also contributed to the mold's growth. The building has a rectangle for the main office and the cafeteria and gym.

"It's brick walls, insulation and drywall, so lights never exist. It contributes to the growth of mold when it's so dark," Ulrich said.

The mold can cause respiratory problems, especially to those with asthma, allergies, compromised immune systems or pre-existing lung diseases.

Ulrich is in charge of 19 school districts and 36 to 40 buildings in five lower counties in Southern Illinois. Her office makes health, safety and compliance inspections and assists districts with matters such as mold.

Collaborating with school administrators, the school board and state board of education, her office will help the Meridian district obtain funds to build a new building. If the district builds an addition to the high school, it would cost an estimated $6.5 million. Because the district and Pulaski County are among the poorest in the state, the district might qualify for 75 percent of that amount from the capital development board.

The district also may decide to build a new campus on higher ground, but Ulrich said it's up to the Meridian School Board.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

388-3639

Pertinent address:

208 Valley Road, Mounds, IL