Mold problem? Not at Franklin Elementary

Franklin Elementary was the site of two mold studies, one in 1999 and one in 2003. The studies found fungi that was not hazardous to people. Le Mars Community Schools Superintendent Todd Wendt said several changes have been made to address the issue. [Click to enlarge]

"I haven't heard much about this since 2003," Wendt said at Monday's school board meeting. "We haven't had any complaints."

About a decade ago, teachers at Franklin Elementary were noticing a moldy smell, especially in the south end of the school building.

In 1999, the building was inspected for the presence of excessive fungi and mold. Molds are a subset of fungi.

The study was completed by AMI Group, which specializes in various types of facility-based environmental issues.

Out of six samples taken, one showed high fungal spore concentration. Samples showed high levels of fungal spores and mold in Linda Cline's first grade classroom.

"The high fungi and mold levels may be the cause and/or the source for the odors present in the school," AMI Group's final report stated. "The organisms isolated are common air-borne species and represent no hazard to human health."

Individuals may be allergic to particular fungi as determined by their allergist, the study added.

AMI Group recommended thorough cleaning of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning units that served Cline's classroom.

In 2002, a second group took more samples from Franklin Elementary.

Those surface samples included air vents, air filters from the air conditioning unit, and a classroom map and sent them to a microbiology laboratory for microscopic examination.

This second study found that 3 of 8 surface samples showed "very light to light" growth of one species of mold -- Alternaria mold -- which, according to the study, is encountered frequently and widespread throughout the world.

"It is commonly found in house dust, carpets, textiles, on horizontal surfaces, in soil and on decaying debris," the study stated.

"The fungi that was there is not hazardous to people," Wendt said. "In fact, it's what you'd normally find in carpet and things like that."

Wendt said the school has made several changes since that 2002-03 study.

Cline's first grade room carpet has been replaced, air filters have been cleaned or replaced, and other parts of the building have been updated.

Several of the staff at Franklin Elementary said Tuesday there is not a mold problem in the building.

"Except maybe in my lunch box," laughed teacher Benji Kasel.