Director Wants County's Schools Mold Tested

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. -- A mold problem at a Sumner County school is paving the way for a countywide attack.

Video: Sumner Co. Schools Director Wants Mold Tests

Mold was recently discovered at Walton Ferry Elementary, and school officials said they want to test every single school for the growing problem.

School officials didn’t say how much a county-wide inspection of schools would cost, but a lot of parents said what’s most important is children’s health.

Some parents of students said they were worried about their children at Walton Ferry Elementary.

“Well, I don’t want my kid to be sick or the teachers, other students,” said Darla Pelton.

Last year, an engineer became ill shortly after inspecting the air ducts at Walton’s Ferry. Four days later, test results showed the presence of mold in the library carpet and air return system.

Mold testing was also done recently at Nannie Berry Elementary.

Sumner County schools Director Benny Bills said he wants all 42 schools tested and said he will ask the board for approval.

“He said rather than be reactive, let’s be proactive and just test them all,” said Sumner County schools spokesman Jeremy Johnson.

Bills will present the system-wide mold testing proposal to the board of education during Tuesday’s regular meeting.