Mold, Lead Paint Found in 2 Cheltenham Schools

Mold and lead paint were discovered inside two schools in Cheltenham Township.

Last July, workers detected a small presence of mold inside classrooms at Cedarbrook Middle School. Attempts to get rid of it failed as the humidity spiked.

“The mold reappeared and multiplied to a point where it was evident in many classroom spaces,” wrote school superintendent Natalie Thomas in a letter to schools.

The summer cleaning staff was relocated and school officials brought in an environmental consulting contractor to assist in their assessment. They also contacted environmental health experts at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine to provide air quality health and wellness guidance.

During a special meeting on Tuesday, the district announced that a contract was given to Langan Engineering & Environmental Service to monitor mold remediation and provide clearing testing services. The process can take up to three weeks, according to officials and may cause the school’s opening to be delayed.

Also in July, workers found old, peeling paint after tearing back drywall in the basement of Myers Elementary School. Officials say some of the paint tested positive for lead. The waterproofing installation contractor will perform a lead-based paint abatement at the school. Officials expect work to be completed before the school opens on September 3.

Both buildings will have to be inspected before they can reopen.