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You may be aware that our Ad Hoc Facilities Committee has been exploring the condition of South Elementary School and has initiated conversations to address facility concerns at the building. This issue has come to the forefront following air quality tests that were conducted in August 2018. The tests indicated the presence of mold spores in several classrooms in the downstairs (5th grade) hallway - not entirely surprising given the excessive rain that increased moisture content in the building, but still of serious concern. In response, the district cleaned, sanitized, and ventilated the classroom areas. Several groups of students were relocated to different spaces in the building. Follow-up air quality testing indicated significant decreases in mold spores, and that levels are now well within normal ranges. However, as our Operations team investigated sources of moisture in the building and how to offset it, the need for new windows, doors, and flooring (due to old carpet) was reinforced. As we began to consider making upgrades to the district's oldest school, other options began to emerge, given declining student enrollment and the desire to provide a learning environment for South that is comparable to other buildings.