While the cafeteria was already closed earlier this month, and students moved to Hebbe Gym to eat meals, Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes said he had closed three more science classrooms, based on visual inspections.
Closures now include parts of Hoggard’s cafeteria, science, and JROTC/Arts wings, which include classrooms for JROTC, arts, chorus, and the band room. It’s unclear at this time when they will be reopened — but the goal for at least the cafeteria and JROTC/Arts wing is the end of the month.
The mold situation appears to have been caused, or at least exacerbated, by New Hanover County Schools district’s practice of “temperature setbacks” over the summer. That is, essentially, running the HVAC at lower levels, allowing the buildings to be warmer during non-class hours to save money. The district said this was a longstanding part of broader efforts to manage utility costs, like HVAC operation…