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Mold testing and remediation can strain any school district's budget.
Depending upon why the moisture is there, you might consider whether the problem stemmed from the original builder or architect, or whether funds are available through insurers, legal action relating to the former builder and the architect, or local, state or federal government funding to help address the mold and provide a safe, healthy environment for students.
Example 1: Fairfield, CT received over a million dollars to help with McKinley:
"Fairfield, CT School Closed Due to Mold " Associated Press September 3, 2002 FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- A school mold problem that got out of hand in Fairfield is resulting in some cash for the town. The town will get $1.2 million in an agreement with its insurance company over water leaks at McKinley Elementary School, which led to its shutdown and demolition because of mold contamination..."
Example 2: From NJ.online, an article explaining one of the many state bills coming up for vote that would support school districts forced to rebuild or renovate. Check with your State Dept of Ed to see what might be available. This is a safety issue - the state should be able to help!
Mold Bill May Help Green Brook, NJ (link no longer available)
Thursday, July 15, 2004
By JENNIFER McCANDLESS
Staff Writer
GREEN BROOK -- The state Assembly overwhelmingly approved a bill June 24 that would give additional funding to schools forced to rebuild for health or safety reasons.The so-called "mold bill" has been referred to the State Senate's Education Committee. If approved, the district could receive an additional $2.5 million in state funding to rebuild Irene E. Feldkirchner (IEF) School
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It is generally accepted that mold can grow under certain environmental conditions ONLY - become familiar with these and address them. For instance, controlling the indoor humidity is key (during certain weather conditions, in certain environments, and following moisture intrusion from leaks or flooding) - there may be more cost-effective ways to do this.
However, please understand that merely removing the moisture source (fixing a roof or plumbing) does not remove the mold colonies or spores. Dry or dead mold is also a serious health problem. So removal, according to strictest guidelines (see our Remediation page) is the best and only solution to protect the occupants and building from future problems.
Remember: NEVER REMEDIATE with people in the building or without containment.
NEVER REMEDIATE without top professional consultation.
Doing nothing and waiting for the problems to occur is more expensive than prevention! Redirecting district funds to address the moisture problems (cause) and mold (effect) is cost-effective, in the long run - as it will avoid future litigation, refusal by parents to place their children in the school (loss of ADA), staff sick time, and increasing building damage that can threaten the materials in the school as well as parts of (or all) of the building, or - worst case scenario - the structural integrity of the building.
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