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Ongoing Mold Problem Closes Starke Elementary School

Starke Elementary School will be closed on Aug. 23 because of mold.

More than 500 students from kindergarten to fifth grade will be affected, said Brian Graham, Bradford County School District's community relations coordinator. Alternate schools will be determined for these students on Friday and the beginning of next week. Students will resume classes at alternate schools on Sept. 3.

The school's air quality was tested on Aug. 5, and results returned Thursday showing unsafe conditions for students and staff.

"As Florida residents we are all familiar with issues relating to mold and fungi within buildings," Bradford County Superintendent Chad Farnsworth wrote in a letter to parents of Starke Elementary students.

According to Graham, Starke Elementary has had issues with mold and humidity for years.

"Over the years there have been lots of Band-Aids," Graham said.

Engineers and architects are working on a permanent fix for the problem. It is unknown how long the fix could take.

Viana is a reporter for WUFT News who may be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news @wuft.org