EASLEY — Less than two weeks before the 2010-2011 school year was set to officially begin, Easley High School officials found a situation that required immediate attention and the closing of one of the larger wings of the building.

During routine HVAC maintenance and repair at the school signs of possible mold or mildew were found in the classroom building that was constructed in 1979.

School District of Pickens County officials contacted an environmental testing and engineering firm to determine the extent of the damage and the best way to correct the problem.

After the firm’s testing, district officials decided to close the building as a precautionary measure until normal air quality levels could be gained.

After studying the problem over the weekend, the district hired crews from an environmental cleaning company to begin working on clean-up efforts.

The crews are scheduled to have the cleanup efforts complete by Monday, the day before the school year is set to begin.

“It appears that the environmental cleaning crews can have things in order for the 19 affected teachers to return to their classrooms on Monday, said Dr. Henry Hunt, superintendent of the School District of Pickens County. “Unfortunately, that give them only one day to prepare their rooms for students’ arrival on Tuesday, but we’ll assist them all we can. Teachers will be involved in staff development activities and can also work in other areas on the campus.”

Staff members are set to report to Pickens County schools today.

The clean-up process will include vacuuming all surfaces with a HEPA vacuum, wiping all surfaces with an antimicrobial cleaner, and spraying an antimicrobial disinfectant. Workers will also thoroughly clean all HVAC units and removed ceiling tiles that show any evidence of mold or mildew.

Hunt said that the district Operational Services staff has already made adjustments to help reduce humidity in the building.

“We have replaced faulty equipment in the units and in exhaust fans,” Hunt said. “We have also set all thermostats at the appropriate set point and then secured them so that they can not be adjusted. We will continue to look for ways to improve efficiency.”

Following the cleanup process the air quality will be tested. If a health hazard exists, hunt said the district would not allow teachers or students to occupy the building.

“We would make a call at that time and do what is necessary to ensure the health and safety of our students and out staff.”

The current Easley High School building is set to be renovated into the new home for Gettys Middle School after the new high school campus is completed late next year. No exact plans for the renovations have been approved of at this time.

Hunt planned a press conference to address the issue Tuesday afternoon at the school. A report will be filed onthis website Tuesday after the press confernece.