Wabasha, MN (KROC-AM News) - Students in a southeastern Minnesota school district have yet to start the new school year.

Wabasha-Kellogg Public Schools Superintendent Nels Onstad says mold issues have forced the postponement of the first day of school. He issued a statement late last week announcing that there would be no open house or classes this week.

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Onstad said the district is addressing both short-term and long-term needs for mold remediation. He noted that work continued over the Labor Day holiday weekend, but more time is needed for demolition and construction to “properly prepare our classrooms.”

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According to the statement, a Minneapolis-based environmental health and safety consulting firm is conducting air-quality testing and providing safety guidance. Cleaning crews are handling mold remediation, while contractors are removing contaminated materials. Onstad said construction workers are also on site to rebuild and restore the affected areas of the school.

At this time, there is no timeline for reopening Wabasha-Kellogg School. Onstad said the district is exploring alternative learning options if the closure lasts more than a few additional days.

An earlier statement issued by the school district indicated that the mold was discovered in some elementary classrooms a little over a week ago. It indicates that this summer's extreme humidity, heat, and rain created conditions favorable for mold development.

The statement also says the problems were exacerbated in the Wabasha-Kellogg school because of a lack of dehumidification caused by HVAC work associated with a more than $16 million construction project at the school. In addition to the HVAC system upgrades, the Wabasha-Kellogg School District website says the project also includes a partial new roof, fire alarm system, secure entry, along with renovations to technical education and science labs, restrooms, and the school’s media center.

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