News Summary
The opening of Explorer Academy in Cabell County has been delayed due to a mold discovery within the building. The delay affects the original start date for Pre-K through 5th-grade students as health concerns are addressed. Professional remediation work is to be conducted, ensuring a safe environment for students and staff. The incident also impacts orientation and other planned events, although an Open House will still occur in unaffected areas. Continuous communication will be provided as the situation develops.
Cabell County Delays School Start at Explorer Academy Due to Mold Discovery
Huntington, West Virginia — The opening of Explorer Academy, a school serving students from Pre-K through 5th grade, has been postponed after a mold issue was identified. The original first day of classes was scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2025, but school officials announced the delay to address health concerns stemming from mold presence within the building.
Discovery of Mold and Immediate Response
The concern about possible mold contamination arose last week when staff members observed conditions that prompted further investigation. On Wednesday, custodial or health officials identified the potential mold problem, prompting a prompt response. To assess air quality and determine the extent of the issue, a professional mold remediation company collected air samples at the school the following day, Thursday.
The analysis of the air samples revealed the presence of two common outdoor mold spores: Penicillium and Cladosporium. These molds are typically found in the environment and are not uncommon, but their presence indoors can pose health risks, particularly to children and staff sensitive to allergens or irritants.
Decision to Postpone School Opening
Following the test results, the remediation company recommended using foggers in the affected rooms to eliminate the mold spores. This approach, however, is more suited for controlled application in closed spaces rather than a complete school shutdown. After evaluating the health and safety implications, school officials made the proactive decision to close the entire school, prioritizing the safety of students and staff over the original opening date.
This closure will also affect kindergarten orientation, which was previously scheduled to occur before the start of classes. Orientation for new kindergarten students will be rescheduled to align with the revised start date, which has yet to be determined. Details about the new schedule will be communicated as soon as plans are finalized.
Additional Events and Safety Measures
The Open House, planned for Tuesday evening to allow families to tour the school, will proceed as scheduled. However, it will be limited to areas unaffected by the mold issue, with entry and exit points restricted to safe zones within the building.
Cabell County Schools (CCS) has stated that professional cleaning teams will conduct comprehensive cleaning and retesting of the impacted areas before students and staff return. This process aims to ensure that all mold spores are effectively removed and that the environment is safe for occupancy.
Ongoing Monitoring and Communication
During this period, Principal Ryan McKenzie has been designated to provide guidance to the staff regarding assignments and responsibilities during the closure. Additionally, CCS has assured the community that continuous monitoring will be maintained, with updates provided regularly until the issue is fully resolved.
School officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining transparent communication and ensuring a safe learning environment. As work progresses to eliminate the mold and restore the building’s safety, families and staff are advised to stay informed through official notices and updates from the school district.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WV MetroNews: Cabell County School First Day Delayed Due to Mold
- Wikipedia: Mold
- WCHS TV: Cabell County School Postpones First Day of Classes After Mold Found
- Google Search: Mold in Schools
- WSAZ: Mold Issues Postpone First Day of School at One Facility
- Google Scholar: Mold Exposure Health Effects
- WOWK TV: Explorer Academy Delays First Day of School Due to Mold
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mold
- Herald-Dispatch: Explorer Academy Opening Delayed Due to Mold
- Google News: Mold School Delays
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
