Bellevue Elementary School, located in the city’s Church Hill neighborhood, will be closed for a week beginning Tuesday following reports of potential mold in the school building, Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras said in an announcement Monday afternoon. 

The reports – made during the first week of school – led to immediate air quality testing, of which the results are not yet available.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are going to close Bellevue Elementary School beginning tomorrow, September 1, to complete a comprehensive cleaning of the building,” Kamras wrote. 

Initial remediation was completed over the weekend in four classrooms. Kamras said the facilities team "have been working to improve insulation in the building's attic and at access points from room closets, which we believe is the root cause of the pssible moisture issue."

Barack Obama Elementary has been closed since mold was found in the building’s art room and on supplies in the lead-up to the new school year. Students have since been schooling at the Pine Camp Arts and Community Center. 

Kamras told Barack Obama Elementary families in an announcement this evening that students can officially return to school on Thursday, Sept. 3, a day before students are set to start the Labor Day break. Work is still ongoing in the building’s Room 304, and contractors are continuing to monitor humidity levels, provide additional dehumidification and conduct ongoing HVAC maintenance. 

Reports for potential mold also came around the same time from Frances W. McClenney Elementary. Kamras told families this afternoon that an air quality test conducted in the room where the suspected mold was found confirmed “that indoor levels are not elevated,” meaning that the room is clear for students and staff. 

The division will provide educational care for Bellevue students at Lucks Field Community Center beginning Tuesday, and transportation to the center will be provided. Parents will receive updates about the process through ParentSquare at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day starting Tueday.

Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at vifatusin@richmonder.org