Monessen delays start of school year
The Monessen School District will delay the start of its school year until Sept. 8 as a “precautionary measure” after fungal growth was found on water-damaged building materials in several areas of the middle school/high school.
In a post on the school district website, Superintendent Dr. Robert Motte said the district will “complete necessary building maintenance and ensure a safe, fully prepared environment for our students and staff.”
Classes were scheduled to start on Aug. 26.
On Aug. 9, Motte informed parents and residents that several issues were found that could impact the start of the 2026-27 school year.
Those included “an abornmality” in a wall near the gymnasium concession stand, along with abnormalities in other areas, including behind walls in several restroom areas.
The district contacted an environmental restoration and assessment company to inspect the building, and on Aug. 8, air quality specialists conducted air quality tests at the school.
The school district also posted a summary of the test results, which showed “fungal growth on sampled water-damaged building materials” in the men’s room, women’s room, office women’s room and adjacent office area, and the concession room.
“The concession room exhibited the most significant airborne amplification. The other affected areas contained lower total concentrations but showed water-damage-associated fungal profiles indicative of indoor sources,” the report said.
The report concluded that the affected porous materials “cannot be reliably restored by surface cleaning alone. The sources of water intrusion should be permanently corrected, and mold-contaminated or water-damaged porous materials should be removed under appropriate containment before restroom renovations proceed.”
Motte said the school district will provide additional information in upcoming days.