Parents at Creston Elementary in Portland were on high alert after finding out that classrooms were contaminated with potentially hazardous fungi, forcing the school to close off affected areas. An email from Portland Public Schools notified staff and parents of test results revealing the presence of fungal spores in the southeast Portland elementary school's air, triggering concerns especially since these rooms housed deaf and hard-of-hearing students, as reported by KPTV.
David Scholten, a Creston Elementary teacher, voiced frustration over the delay in addressing the issue, stating that teachers had been requesting tests for seven months and two additional months tried to convince the district of the seriousness but to no avail; Scholten told KOIN 6 News, “They are the most vulnerable students, probably some of the most vulnerable students in Portland Public Schools.”
The air quality report identified several types of fungi, including ascospores, aspergillus/penicillium, and basidiospores, which, although not toxic, can be harmful to individuals with allergies. According to a letter sent to families by Mark Posey and Kenzy Sorensen from Portland Public Schools facilities and operations, the root cause was traced to a leaking steam pipe near the cafeteria, and comprehensive repairs along with cleaning are slated prior to allowing children back into the classrooms, as reported in OPB news.
While the affected rooms had been reportedly tested in December without raising concerns, the situation now reflects an immediate health risk for the school's students, particularly for those in the special program for deaf and hard-of-hearing students and other areas of the school might present similar risks as expressed by Scholten who highlighted the broader potential exposure to all students within the facility, emphasizing the urgency for a swift response to ensure the well-being of the young learners, as he stated in an interview with KPTV.
As Creston Elementary awaits the necessary repairs, the district has assured parents that it takes the air quality issues seriously and is working diligently to rectify them, ensuring that each child's health and safety remain their priority.
