Maintenance FAQ's

Tile glue, also known as thin-set mortar, can sometimes resemble mold on the floor due to its appearance when it dries or begins to deteriorate. The adhesive is typically a gray or off-white paste when applied, but as it sets and hardens, it can darken in color, especially if exposed to moisture. In areas with high humidity or because of contact with water due to improper floor waxing, the moisture trapped in the glue can cause it to discolor, taking on a mold-like look. This can be particularly noticeable if the glue is near grout lines or in corners where moisture tends to accumulate, making it seem as though mold is growing beneath or around the tiles.

Over time, the tile glue may start to degrade, particularly if it has been exposed to excessive water. This degradation can lead to a fuzzy or speckled appearance that resembles mold colonies, especially when combined with dust or dirt. The texture and irregular patterns that form as the adhesive breaks down might easily be mistaken for mold growth.  Although not visually appealing, there are no health concerns with this condition and once identified, the areas are cleaned, repaired, and waxed properly to minimize the chance of a reoccurrence.

The most likely cause of this condition is a mineral deposit known as “efflorescence”.  Efflorescence on a cinderblock wall occurs when water-soluble salts (typically calcium-based), from the materials used in the cinderblocks or mortar, are carried to the surface of the wall by moisture. When water enters the wall, commonly from moisture in the ground that moves up an exterior wall through osmosis, the water dissolves the salts contained within the cinderblock or mortar. As the water moves to the surface of the block, it evaporates, leaving the salts behind. These salts form a white, powdery residue on the surface of the cinderblocks, which is what we recognize as efflorescence.

Efflorescence is often more noticeable in areas where the wall is exposed to frequent moisture, such as basements, exterior walls in damp climates, or near poor ground drainage. While efflorescence itself is not harmful, it can indicate a moisture problem.  Once identified, the areas are thoroughly dried and cleaned.  The interior is repainted, and the exterior is painted with a water repellent seal.

The black growth seen on the outside of a building is most likely caused by mildew, algae, or other harmless organisms that thrive in areas with moisture, such as shaded walls or those exposed to the elements. These growths are very common on buildings and concrete pavement, especially in areas with high humidity. While they may look concerning, they don't pose any health risks to students or staff. These types of growths are not toxic or dangerous and are primarily a cosmetic issue.

It’s important to know that while the black marks may appear unsightly, they do not affect the indoor air quality or the health of anyone inside the building. The growth is only found on exterior walls and doesn’t spread to the interior environment. Our schools and other buildings frequently undergo cleaning to remove such growths and maintain the appearance of the building. The black discoloration is easily cleaned through power washing without any health concerns for anyone in the building.

Ensuring healthy indoor air quality in schools is essential for the well-being of students, staff, and visitors.  Schools, as high-traffic environments, require particular attention to ventilation, air filtration, and humidity control to reduce the spread of pollutants, allergens, and microbial growth.  We take all reports of indoor air quality concerns seriously and they are addressed promptly. 

The district employs staff that are highly trained in assessing indoor air quality and when a report is received, they conduct site inspections and based on their findings, they may do initial particle counts to check for unseen potential issues.  If any concerns are noted, the district calls in an independent third-party laboratory to conduct thorough air quality testing to determine the number and types of particles in the air.  Any issues that are found are immediately addressed. 

It is important to remember that there will always be some spores and other microflora and fauna present in any "normal" indoor environment.  Consumer DIY mold testing kits are not a reliable way of testing for the presence of hazardous indoor air quality in a school setting.  By placing such a kit in a building with hundreds of people who bring in microscopic materials on clothing, and each of those people shedding hundreds of thousands of skin cells throughout the day, a petri dish designed to encourage microbial growth will inevitably exhibit signs of growth.  The purpose of sampling and counting spores using a professional laboratory is to help determine whether an abnormal condition exists within the indoor environment and if it does, to help pinpoint the areas that need attention.

Fire ants are native to South America. They were accidentally introduced into the United States in the 1930’s through the port of Mobile, Alabama, probably in soil used for ships’ ballasts, and have been spreading since.  They are very difficult to control, but knowing the danger they present, from painful stings to allergic reactions, the district does its best to limit their impact on our school grounds.  Unfortunately, the most effective and reliable means of controlling fire ants over a large area is through the use of pesticides, which can create hazards of their own.

The district primarily uses hydramethylnon (sold as Amdro) or Bifenthrin to treat individual ant nests.  When these chemicals are applied, staff posts notifications and signage to serve as warnings for people to stay off the grass in the treated areas.  These chemicals have been deemed safe once dry, which typically takes an hour or two depending on the weather.  To treat larger areas such as athletic fields, the district partners with an outside contractor.  These treatments are conducted on evening or weekends to avoid potential exposure to student athletes and coaches.  The pesticide contains an indicator dye that disappears when it is safe to resume activity on the field.