OMAHA, Nebraska (WOWT) – JP Lord School was empty again Monday after students were dismissed early Thursday because staff discovered mold in the building.

Charles Wakefield, COO of Omaha Public Schools, said the equipment was stored over the summer.

“When staff went to take the equipment out at the beginning of the school year, they saw the mold,” Wakefield said.

Authorities identified the mold as Cladosporium, an allergy-causing mold.

While there is no federal limit for mold levels in the air, the Douglas County Health Department said mold can be harmful.

“Out of an abundance of caution for our children, especially those students who attend JL Lord with their needs, we have sent some students home,” Wakefield said.

They are confident that they have now cleared everything up, but are still conducting tests to be on the safe side.

OPS said it was taking the matter particularly seriously because JP Lord looked after students who were disabled or suffered from complex and chronic illnesses.

“The students were at school for a few hours before we sent them home,” Wakefield said. “At no point were they in danger. Our testing confirmed that the mold was not in the air while the students were there, and they were never near the surface mold that we had.”

OPS said moisture in the building is the cause. They are working with contractors on the heating and cooling system to fix the problem and hope to get students back in the building on Tuesday.

The health department said the school district is in close contact with health authorities to effectively reduce potential health risks.

Wakefield said if families have medical bills for students suffering from mold-related health problems, they should contact the school directly.

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