Moulton School to Remain Closed Next Week

The Moulton Extended Learning Center will be closed for an additional week, as work continues on the school’s ventilation system in order to avoid potential health issues caused by the presence of mold. In the meantime, two neighborhood organizations will continue to provide services for Moulton students while the school is closed.

The school has been closed since Monday after it was confirmed that mold was present in a classroom at Moulton. Additional work has been necessary to the school’s ventilation system, primarily in the original 1914 section of the school, which is delaying the re-opening of the building in order to ensure that all work is properly completed, and students and staff are returning to a completely safe and healthy learning environment.

Moulton is a continuous year calendar school in Des Moines, and began the 2011-12 school year on July 15. Only two days of classes were to be held during the week of August 29, as parent-teacher conferences were scheduled for later next week. School days missed during this time will be made up during future school breaks, and parent-teacher conferences will be rescheduled.

Remediation work being done to various sections of Moulton includes:

Basement (rooms 9-23 and the adjacent hallway):

  • All ventilation equipment/units will be cleaned.
  • All ventilation grills and grates will be cleaned.
  • Clean all duct work/air delivery system.
  • Check mechanical room 16.
  • Clean fresh air duct in room 17.
  • Replace fiberglass pipe insulation as needed, with closed cell, foam type.
  • Replace all stained ceiling tiles.
  • Open access hole in large duct outside fan room 10, and clean inside.
  • Clean fan in room 10.      
  • Insulate and cap old gravity roof top vents. 
  • Open up old gravity vent in room 13 that is covered by sheetrock for inspection and needed action.
  • Remove all carpet and install new vinyl tile
  • Balance and increase air flow.
  • Custodial cleaning of lowest level mechanical and storage spaces.

1st floor rooms (132-143):

  • All ventilation equipment/units cleaned.
  • All ventilation grills and grate cleaned.
  • Replace supply air ducts in rooms 139 and 140.
  • Clean fresh air ducts in rooms 139 and 140.
  • Replace supply and fresh air ducts serving rooms 134 and135.
  • Clean any “buried” duct work as possible.
  • Check mechanical room 141.
  • Replace fiberglass pipe insulation, as needed, with closed cell foam.
  • Replace any stained ceiling tiles.
  • Remove all carpet and install new vinyl tile
  • Balance air flow.

2nd floor rooms (225, 226, 227, 228):

  • All ventilation equipment/units cleaned.
  • All ventilation grills and grates cleaned.
  • Replace supply air ducts in room 225.
  • Clean all duct work.
  • Investigate above old pool/gym balcony.
  • Replace fiberglass pipe insulation as needed, with closed cell foam type.
  • Replace all stained ceiling tiles.
  • Balance air flow.

Exterior:

  • Masonry repairs to the west elevation of the old south wing.
  • Verify all roof drains are clear and taking water.
  • Verify all window well drains are taking water.
  • Install storm water intake/drain, west end of concrete swale, located on south side of new addition.
  • Close up hand hole, cut in metal doors, located in front of east dock area.

The above work will be completed by Sunday night with follow-up air tests done early next week. At this point, classes are expected to resume on Tuesday, September 6.

Two neighborhood organizations will continue to assist Moulton families by making services available during the school closure.

Children and Families Urban Ministries is able to provide programs as well as meals for up to 65 students. Because of limited space, families should call Abigail Livingood or Linda Danielson of CFUM at 282-3242 to reserve a space. CFUM is located at 1548 8th Street in Des Moines.

In addition, the Grubb YMCA is open to Moulton families (with or without memberships) from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the week; students in grades 3-8 may use the facility without a parent or guardian present from Noon to 5:00 PM. The Grubb YMCA is located at 1611 11th Street in Des Moines. For more information call 246-0791.

Moulton Principal Craig Saddler will also be available to answer questions from Moulton parents at three sessions next week at CFUM: 4:30 PM on Monday, August 29; 7:00 AM on Tuesday, August 30; and 11:30 AM on Wednesday, August 31.