A failing HVAC system that couldn't handle summer humidity caused the mold outbreak that has kept Westwood Elementary closed, Friendswood ISD confirmed on Aug. 5, giving parents of roughly 464 students their first concrete explanation of what went wrong and what comes next.
The district identified two root causes: the aging HVAC system was unable to manage moisture levels inside the building, and moisture from part of that system saturated sections of the roof deck and spread into other areas of the campus, according to KHOU, which reported the district's findings.
Board votes 6-0 for emergency spending
The Friendswood ISD Board of Trustees convened an emergency meeting at 7 a.m. Aug. 5 at Friendswood Junior High School. Trustees voted 6-0, with one member absent, to authorize Superintendent Thad Roher to execute all agreements and approve expenditures for the emergency remediation, according to board meeting documents.
Trustee Tony Hopkins made the motion, seconded by Trustee Rebecca Hillenburg. The board also adopted an emergency purchasing resolution, passing by the same 6-0 margin.
The total cost of the work has not been disclosed.
What's being fixed
Texas General Contractors has already completed a comprehensive cleaning of the entire building, including the HVAC air duct system. Two larger projects are now approved:
- HVAC unit replacement: the units tied to the moisture problem were already slated for replacement and work is expected to begin within the next few weeks.
- Roof replacement: repairs to the affected area have been approved and are being scheduled.
A third-party environmental consultant tested air and surface samples in July and found elevated mold levels requiring immediate action. The testing did not find black mold.
No reopening date yet
Westwood students will not be relocated to another campus. They will remain home on an extended summer break until qualified environmental professionals confirm the building is safe for occupancy. All other Friendswood ISD campuses will open as scheduled on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
The district promised families a next update on Friday, Aug. 7, which may include an anticipated reopening timeline. That update had not been released as of press time.
In an Aug. 5 letter to Westwood families, the district acknowledged it fell short of community expectations, saying it takes responsibility for correcting both the immediate issues and the underlying causes and committed to stronger monitoring and maintenance procedures going forward.
Aging campus, failed bond
Westwood Elementary, built in 1967, is Friendswood ISD's oldest elementary campus. The mold crisis arrives three months after district voters narrowly rejected Proposition B in May, a $40.6 million bond measure that would have funded a replacement campus for Westwood, according to Hoodline.
As we reported Aug. 6, the mold discovery forced the district to postpone the school year start with no reopening date. The district's Aug. 5 findings mark the first time officials have publicly explained the cause.
The district said it will provide families another update on Aug. 7, and parents with questions can contact Friendswood ISD through the district's website.
