Overview
- Richmond Public Schools has kept Barack Obama Elementary closed at the start of the 2026 school year while crews continue cleanup and testing.
- Officials say an HVAC outage and a moist pipe hidden above ceiling tiles in a supply closet were the likely primary causes of mold growth that spread to the basement and some furniture.
- Contractors removed mold-carrying porous materials, cleaned HVAC ductwork, ran seven industrial dehumidifiers, and used air scrubbers to lower spore levels.
- Initial air sampling showed elevated mold spores, later tests returned clear in most areas but the art room remained positive and has been sealed pending further testing.
- The delay affects instruction, special education services, and school meals, has raised parent frustration over inspections, and comes alongside separate reports of rodents while the district prepares updates and temporary arrangements.