Mold closes school in Pahrump

January 27, 2002

Saturday, January 26, 2002

By LISA KIM BACH

REVIEW-JOURNAL

School's out at Pahrump Valley High School until a mold spore contamination

is brought under control.

The school closed Wednesday after Environmental Health Services reported the

presence of the mold spore stachybotrys chartarum in two areas of the

school. Nye County School Board member Alice Atkinson said the mold

check was conducted after the school received a complaint from a teacher.

Atkinson said a final report about the extent of the mold contamination is

expected to be completed next week. Exposure to mold can result in

respiratory problems and other physical symptoms.

" My understanding is that this is a very, very mild deal, " Atkinson said

Friday. " But the kids are our first concern and we didn't want to take any

chances. "

The spore was found in two areas of the school that previously have been

flooded: the 600 classroom wing and the locker room area. A news release

from the school district said the campus will not reopen until the mold has

been eliminated. District officials are working on contingency plans for

housing the 900 high school students if the building is closed for an

extensive period of time.

The district has told high school students to report to the Hafen Elementary

School gym Wednesday for classroom assignments.

The cost of the cleanup is also a concern for Pahrump officials, who know

from experience how costly it can be. Last year, mold contamination shut

down the Nye County complex in Pahrump. Nye County Commissioner Cameron

McRae, who lives in Pahrump, said those offices are still closed, with

employees working at other sites.

" That's probably cost us about $1.5 million, " McRae said. " It's been

expensive. "

Atkinson said the school district already is strapped for cash and may need

outside help to pay for mold mitigation. McRae said county commissioners

plan to discuss assisting the district with cleanup costs at a Feb. 5

meeting.

The district also has arranged an informational meeting for concerned

parents and residents. The meeting will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Monday at Manse Elementary School, 1020 E. St., Pahrump. Nye County

Health Officer Maureen Budahl will provide information and answer questions.

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