VERO BEACH — An elementary school will dismiss its classes early this week because of mold recently found in some classrooms, according to the Indian River County School District.
Classes at Osceola Magnet School will end at 1:40 p.m. from Monday through Friday. The normal early release bus schedule will be in place. Extended day services will be available and free of charge during the first week of school, officials said.
Two professional mold remediation companies, Mr. Restore and EE&G, completed a deep cleaning and inspection of the 600, 700 and 800 wings at the school, 1110 18th Ave. S.W., Vero Beach, over the weekend, officials said. Air quality tests also were done this weekend for the 600 wing.
As a precaution, air quality tests also will be conducted this week in the 700 and 800 wings, officials said.
“We are confident that the precautionary air sampling testing will provide additional specific quantitative results from each classroom wing and further reassure our students and faculty that Osceola Magnet is safe for occupancy,” said Jon Teske, assistant superintendent of operations, in a news release.
Students will be placed in other classrooms or alternative areas such as the art room and music room. These areas have no evidence of mold and also have been deep cleaned and inspected, officials said.
Parents who keep students home during the first week of school will receive excused absences.
“Osceola Magnet teachers and staff are looking forward to welcoming our students back on Monday,” principal Scott Simpson said in the release. “Although not in their assigned classrooms, we are working to ensure that students have a positive first week back, and a great school year ahead.”
