Monessen, Pa. – The Monessen City School Board voted Tuesday night to bring middle‑ and high‑school students back to the classroom on Monday, Nov. 16, after a nine‑week closure for mold and moisture remediation. Superintendent Dr. Robert Motte said he is confident the buildings are safe for students, faculty, and staff, adding, “I trust the experts.”
Extensive testing and cleaning completed
Since late July, the school’s air quality and moisture levels have been monitored by Corwin Inspections and Hayes Microbial Consulting. The district’s statement notes that moisture‑meter readings in the drywall now fall within or below the 5%–12% range considered acceptable for indoor humidity. Air‑quality tests in bathrooms, common areas, and classrooms were performed as recently as Nov. 6, and the results indicated conditions suitable for resuming instruction.
Remediation work included:
- Comprehensive air‑quality testing throughout the building.
- Moisture testing in all classrooms and common spaces.
- Treatment of identified mold‑affected areas with approved mold‑control products.
- Repair of leaking plumbing behind walls to eliminate moisture sources.
- Two treatments of the auditorium and thorough cleaning of seats and surrounding areas.
Community response
Many families have expressed relief at the prospect of ending remote learning. Softball coach John Clingenpeel said, “They’re tired of remote learning. They want to get back in school. Parents are working two or three jobs, so it’s been affecting their day‑to‑day more.” He added, “I have no reservations; the board and superintendent are taking the right steps.”
Some community members remain cautious. Raymond Fields, a grandfather of two students, told Action News 4, “I just wonder if they’ve got it cleaned up enough for them to go in there. I’ve gotten sick from mold exposure before, and I don’t want the same thing to happen to my grandchildren.” He noted a strong odor when entering the building and urged continued vigilance.
Transparency and next steps
The district pledged to post the full air‑quality reports and ongoing updates on its website once classes resume. An open‑house event is scheduled for Thursday night, 5:30‑8 p.m., at the Monessen Middle‑High School building, giving parents and residents a chance to see the remediation work firsthand.
Superintendent Motte emphasized the district’s commitment to transparency, stating, “We will continue to communicate openly about the assessment findings, the work completed, and any additional measures that may be necessary.” He thanked the community for its patience and cooperation during the closure.
Impact on students
Students have been learning remotely since the start of the school year, a situation that many educators and parents say has hindered academic progress and social development. The return to in‑person instruction is expected to restore normal classroom routines, provide access to hands‑on learning, and support extracurricular activities that were suspended during the closure.
With the board’s decision, Monessen’s schools are poised to resume full operations, reinforcing the district’s dedication to providing a safe, healthy learning environment for its children.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
