School District Responds to Mold Concerns at Amherst Regional Middle School 

The Amherst Regional Public Schools offered the following statement on April 10, in response to concerns about mold at the Amherst Regional Middle School.

In response to recent community concerns regarding indoor air quality at Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS), the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District has taken swift action to assess and address potential mold issues within the building. 

On March 14, 2025, the Amherst Regional School Committee formally requested an independent indoor air quality (IAQ) study following concerns that portions of the ARMS building contained mold, particularly in areas previously closed off to students and staff. The closed areas were noted to have limited public access and no active student use. 

Shortly thereafter, the district engaged ATLAS Technical Consultants to conduct a comprehensive IAQ assessment. Their evaluation, completed on March 21 and released publicly in early April, included air sampling, surface sampling, and visual inspections of various spaces within the school. 

Key Findings from the IAQ Report: 

● Air Quality: Indoor air samples collected showed mold spore levels that were comparable to outdoor levels. The EMLab MoldScore™ used to evaluate airborne mold presence in various rooms scored between 103–129—well within the “low” range, suggesting a low likelihood that the detected spores originated indoors. 

● Surface Sampling: Isolated instances of active mold growth were found on specific surfaces, including wooden shelves, instrument cases, and door frames—particularly in the music and family center areas. Mold types identified included Aspergillus and Cladosporium. 

● Root Cause: Most mold was attributed to condensation and prolonged humidity, not systemic HVAC failures. Several areas of water damage were also linked to roof drainage issues. 

● HVAC Systems: Filters in the building’s vents had not been replaced since early 2023. ATLAS recommended regular filter replacement and dehumidification, especially during warmer months. 

The full report and next action steps are available at ARPS.org on the home page. 

Immediate Remediation Plan 
The district has already initiated a detailed Mold Action Plan in response to the findings: 

● Cleaning and Disinfection: Custodial staff have completed cleaning and HEPA vacuuming in multiple affected areas using EPA-recommended mold removal protocols. Areas cleaned include the Family Center, library tables, and music storage rooms. 

● HVAC Maintenance: Air filters have been replaced, and a licensed HVAC contractor will assess systems for long-term humidity control. 

● Roof Repairs: Damaged roof drains contributing to ceiling leaks were sealed as of March 26, with further roof monitoring underway until a scheduled replacement in Summer 2025. 

● Professional Remediation: The music and instrument storage rooms, where mold activity was most significant, are scheduled for professional remediation by environmental contractor Abide on April 24–25. 

District Statement: 
Superintendent Dr. E. Xiomara Herman affirmed the district’s commitment to safety, transparency, and student well-being: 

“We are taking these concerns seriously. Thanks to the diligence of our facilities team, outside experts, and school leaders, we are implementing both short-term fixes and long-term improvements to ensure our learning environment is clean, safe, and healthy for all.” 

Community Commitment: 
Families and staff have been notified of the findings, and updates will continue to be shared. The district encourages any community member with additional concerns to reach out directly to the Office of the Superintendent.