New Jenkins High air quality tests show elevated spore counts in classroom, mold in locker rooms
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) received the results of a second round of air quality testing at Jenkins High School, revealing elevated mold spore counts in one classroom and mold growth in the locker rooms.
According to the full report provided to the district on Friday, September 4, the vast majority of the school’s air samples came back within normal ranges. Out of 24 interior locations tested, 23 were deemed acceptable with indoor spore counts substantially below exterior control samples.
However, Classroom 2339 was the exception. Tests there revealed an elevated Aspergillus/Penicillium count of approximately 2,530 spores per cubic meter.
Jenkins High School Principal Marlon Worrill relocated students and staff from Classroom 2339 on Wednesday afternoon, September 2, after receiving preliminary test results. The district states this relocation allowed staff to begin mitigating the mold growth. They noted that spore counts in the room were still below exterior samples and that no “black or toxic mold” was found in any of the tested classrooms.
The walkthrough by the environmental testing team from Whitaker Laboratory and Engineering also identified suspected mold growth and staining in the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, particularly around ceiling areas and HVAC components.
“While the air quality samples in both locker rooms were acceptable, a direct-contact sample from the boys’ locker room ceiling identified a high level of typical, common indoor/outdoor Cladosporium spores, as found when moisture and dust are mixed under favorable temperature conditions, and the report recommends cleaning/remediation of the visible affected areas,” they wrote.
The school district’s vendor, First Onsite, will handle the remediation.
Weeks of AC and Environmental Issues
The latest findings come after weeks of ongoing HVAC disruptions and rising frustrations among staff and students at Jenkins High School.
In its statement, the district said, “The health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff remain SCCPSS’s highest priority. We will continue to monitor conditions at Jenkins High School closely. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our students, families, and employees as this work continues.”
“On Monday, August 31, 2026, the Operations Division of Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools requested a second round of air quality tests in Jenkins High School after some dark spots were noted near air vents in some rooms that morning. The results and full report were provided to the district Friday, September 4th, following preliminary conversations earlier in the week.
Overall, the air sampling results were favorable: 23 of 24 interior locations tested were deemed acceptable - these results are in addition to 3 other classrooms that were tested previously and found to be within normal range - with indoor spore counts substantially below the exterior control sample. Classroom 2339 was the exception, with an elevated Aspergillus/Penicillium count of approximately 2,530 spores/m³. Jenkins High Principal Mr. Marlon Worrill relocated students and staff from 2339 after preliminary results were shared on Wednesday afternoon, September 2nd, to allow our staff to mitigate the mold growth. Spore counts were still less than the exterior sample and no black or toxic mold was found in any of the identified classrooms.
The walkthrough by the air quality testing team from Whitaker Lab and Engineering also identified suspected mold growth/staining in the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, particularly around ceiling areas and HVAC components. While the air quality samples in both locker rooms were acceptable, a direct-contact sample from the boys’ locker room ceiling identified a high level of typical, common indoor/outdoor Cladosporium spores, as found when moisture and dust are mixed under favorable temperature conditions, and the report recommends cleaning/remediation of the visible affected areas.
The District’s vendor First Onsite, which had been standing by for the final report, will provide a proposal and conduct the recommended mitigation/remediation, including Room 2339 and the identified locker room/HVAC areas.
The health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff remain SCCPSS’s highest priority. We will continue to monitor conditions at Jenkins High School closely. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our students, families, and employees as this work continues."
Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Division of Communications and Community Engagement
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