Huntington, West Virginia, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Explorer Academy in Huntington, West Virginia, has announced a delay in its school year start date due to mold concerns detected in the facility. The decision prioritizes student and staff safety while addressing the mold issue. Tests revealed common mold spores, prompting the school to close and initiate professional remediation. The Open House event will still be held, but families will access unaffected areas. The school district remains committed to maintaining air quality and will provide updates to the community.
Huntington, West Virginia — Explorer Academy, a school serving Pre-K through 5th grade students in Cabell County, will delay the start of its school year, originally set for Wednesday, August 12, 2025, due to mold concerns discovered last week. The decision aims to ensure the safety of students and staff while addressing the recent mold findings.
Concerns regarding possible mold at Explorer Academy were raised to officials last Wednesday. In response, a mold remediation company conducted air quality tests at the school on Thursday, with results expedited for faster analysis. The analysis indicated the presence of two common outdoor mold spores: Penicillium and Cladosporium.
After evaluating the air quality situation, the mold remediation team recommended utilizing foggers in the affected classrooms to manage the mold issue. However, school officials opted to close the facility entirely. This precautionary measure was taken to prioritize the well-being of both students and staff during the remediation process. Consequently, kindergarten orientation has also been rescheduled to coincide with the newly determined first day of school, which is yet to be announced.
The school’s Open House event is still set to take place on the originally planned date, Tuesday evening. This event will utilize an entrance and exit designated in an unaffected section of the building, allowing families to participate despite the ongoing remediation efforts.
Cabell County Schools (CCS) has committed to engaging professional cleaning services to ensure thorough disinfection of the impacted areas, followed by retesting before the school reopens. Principal Ryan McKenzie has outlined plans to maintain communication with staff regarding specific assignments during the closure period.
The district plans to continuously monitor the situation and provide updates to the community as they address the mold issue. The health and safety of students, faculty, and staff remains a top priority for CCS as they navigate this unexpected challenge.
Reporter notes indicate that officials from Cabell County Schools are implementing these safety measures to create a secure learning environment and will provide further information on any changes to the school schedule as soon as it becomes available.
Background Context
Explorer Academy is located in Huntington and serves children from Pre-K to 5th grade. The discovery of mold is a serious concern for educational institutions, as mold exposure can lead to health issues, particularly in young children. Schools are increasingly taking proactive measures to ensure air quality and overall cleanliness to promote student safety and well-being. Such measures include regular inspections and immediate responses to any environmental issues that may arise within school facilities.
FAQ
Why was Explorer Academy’s start date delayed?
The start date was delayed due to concerns about possible mold in the facility, prompting a thorough investigation and remediation process to ensure the safety of students and staff.
What mold was found in the school?
The air quality tests revealed the presence of two common outdoor mold spores: Penicillium and Cladosporium.
Will there still be an Open House event?
Yes, the Open House event is still scheduled to take place on Tuesday evening, but access will be limited to an unaffected area of the building.
What steps is the school taking regarding the mold issue?
The school has engaged professional cleaning services for thorough cleaning and retesting of the affected areas prior to reopening for students and staff.
Key Features of Explorer Academy’s Mold Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Start Date | August 12, 2025 |
| Mold Types Found | Penicillium and Cladosporium |
| Current Status | School closed for remediation |
| Open House Event | Still taking place in an unaffected area |
| Safety Measures | Professional cleaning and retesting scheduled |
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 HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, 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 state 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
