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The Stamford Board of Education announced that the recently formed Mold Task Force determined that Westport Elementary School students will be relocated to the headquarters of the Pitney Bowes.
“Returning students and staff to a healthy and safe learning environment less than two weeks after the school was closed for mold remediation as quickly as possible was our top priority,” the Task Force announced. Classes will begin in the recently renovated school space in the on Tuesday, Nov. 13. All students will start their day at Chelsea Pier and be transported to the new facility.
“I would like to recognize the herculean effort of the various city and community organizations over the past week to get Westover Elementary School relocated,” Mayor David Martin said. “I believe that this new location will provide a wonderful opportunity for teachers to educate and for students to learn in a cohesive educational community.”
Last week, the Board of Education announced that it would be closing the school due to elevated mold levels, based on preliminary air quality test results they received.
"After extensive evaluation of more than 12 site options and four school re-programming alternatives by the Mold Task Force and key City and Board of Education departments, 1 Elmcroft Road met all of the critical criteria and was determined to be the optimal location,” the Task Force announced.
“In addition to safety and security, as well as the ability for the site owner to complete the necessary renovation work in an incredibly short timeframe, other factors considered were the importance of keeping the school community together in Stamford, transportation and traffic implications, IT requirements and the feasibility of providing food service.”
The Board of Education hosted a special meeting on Wednesday night to finalize the details and officially approve the move.
“I couldn’t be more pleased that we have reached our goal of moving our students and staff together to a safe learning environment as soon as possible,” Superintendent Earl Kim said. “Stamford is a community that supports one another in times of need, and this experience is a demonstration of just that.
“I am particularly grateful to the Mold Task Force members, Westover leaders and BLT, who have been working around the clock to make this happen, as well as all of our community partners who have provided support and services over the past week to serve our students’ needs.”
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