Pinellas Schools: Bardmoor Mold Crisis
Four classes relocated after water leaks cause mold growth, while teachers face denied workers' comp claims due to strict proof requirements.
By Alina Carter ·
Bardmoor Elementary School in Seminole, Florida, is managing a persistent mold problem that has forced the relocation of at least four classes. The issue stems from water leaks that have affected classrooms for years, creating conditions for fungal growth on desks, furniture, and air vents.
The timeline of the crisis began in mid-August when an art teacher reported water leaks and visible mold to the plant manager. Despite attempts to clean the area with Clorox wipes, the problem persisted. The art class was moved to the science lab. Subsequently, issues arose in prekindergarten and autism unit classrooms. By Oct. 22, principal Quinn Williams had moved additional classes, though parents received a notification letter days later. Some teachers reported being instructed not to explain the changes to parents during that interim.
Williams sent an urgent email on Oct. 22 to the area superintendent and senior operations manager, expressing concern about the health impact on staff and students if the source was not addressed quickly. She requested additional environmental testing to ensure parents were informed that all reasonable steps had been taken.
Teachers began filing workers' compensation claims for breathing problems they attributed to the mold. Tracey McConnell, president of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, noted that the district denied these claims. Angela Heet, a senior risk management technician, explained via email on Oct. 26 that claims require clear and convincing evidence that exposure came solely from the school. District spokesperson Isabel Mascareñas stated that independent medical sources must verify the illness was caused exclusively by the school, a requirement teachers say forces them to spend thousands testing their homes and cars.
School board members first learned of the workers' compensation disputes at their Oct. 27 meeting. They acknowledged prior awareness of the mold concerns through emails and stated that health and safety remains a priority.
A professional environmental cleaning company began work on Monday, disinfecting surfaces and removing airborne particles. Portable air filtration systems are also in use. An independent contractor previously tested 10 classrooms, finding elevated organic material in two rooms linked to a cabinet leak. Students from those two rooms, plus two others at teacher request, were moved. Retracing is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2, and students will return once the rooms are cleared.
McConnell visited the school and observed mold on air vents and equipment. She noted that sealed-off areas were being treated. The district continues to manage the situation while awaiting retest results.
