Environmental remediation

Message from Principal Newell

The following message is from TOAST Principal Sophia Newell. The information was sent as a letter with students on Friday.

Dear Families:

I am writing because a recent routine environmental inspection found mold in the basement of Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST). Further inspection found other areas of mold in insulation wrap on pipes in the ceiling and some ceiling tiles, as well.

Soon after, an environmental engineer conducted tests of the air in areas where mold was detected. In all cases, mold levels inside the building were lower than naturally occurring mold levels outside. That means the air quality at TOAST is safe for our students, faculty and staff, and that is very good!

The school district is in the process of hiring an expert to remediate mold in all spaces where it was detected. In the coming weeks, I will have more information about when the mold remediation will occur, and I will share it with you when I have it. Please be assured that we will follow all state and federal requirements for mold remediation while the work takes place.

The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is of the highest priority at TOAST and throughout the City School of Albany. If you have any questions, please contact me at school at (518) 475-6875 or snewell@albany.k12.ny.us.