The following message is from Sophia A. Newell, principal of Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST).
Dear Families:
I am pleased to report that environmental experts have removed mold found in the school basement, on some ceiling tiles and on insulation wrap on pipes in the ceiling. We also have addressed the moisture and humidity conditions that caused the mold to grow in the first place.
You may recall that mold was discovered during a routine environmental inspection in October. The school district immediately hired environmental engineers to assess the problem. The engineers studied the air quality in areas where mold was found, and they determined the air quality is safe. However, they also made several recommendations for improvement, all of which the school district accepted and undertook.
Those recommendations included hiring licensed professionals to:
- Remove mold from all areas where it was detected, including the boiler room and basement, and clean those areas;
- Remove and replace pipe insulation and ceiling tiles that were affected by mold;
- Fix various water leaks throughout the building that contributed to the growth of mold; and
- Clean and routinely inspect condensation trays in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for each room.
We also will consult with professionals on a plan to prevent flooding caused by rain or spring thaw, as well.
The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is of the highest priority at TOAST and throughout the City School of Albany. Please be assured that we followed all state and federal requirements while the work took place.
If you have any questions about the work, please contact Kimberly Rohring in the school district’s Business Office at (518) 475-6020 or krohring@albany.k12.ny.us.
