36 | SCHOOL PLANT MANAGER MAGAZINE | FALL 2026 F or Missouri school districts, summer is the ideal time to complete maintenance projects, deep cleaning, and prepare buildings for students and staff to return. Unfortunately, it's also one of the highest- risk seasons for hidden mold growth. Warm temperatures, elevated humidity, intermittent HVAC operation, summer storms, and fewer people occupying buildings create the perfect environment for moisture issues to go unnoticed. By the time a musty odor or visible mold appears, the problem has often expanded well beyond the original source, leading to expensive remediation, disrupted schedules, and, in some cases, delayed classroom occupancy. The good news is that many significant mold losses can be prevented through early detection, timely assessment, and having the right partners in place before a problem occurs. By Megan Garrett, Business Development Executive, Woodard Cleaning and Restoration Why Summer Creates the Perfect Conditions Missouri summers present unique challenges for school facilities. When buildings are occupied daily, temperature and humidity fluctuations are often noticed quickly. During summer break, however, issues can develop for weeks without anyone recognizing them. Common contributors include: • HVAC systems operating on reduced schedules or being shut down during renovations. • High outdoor humidity infiltrating buildings. • Roof leaks from summer storms. • Condensation around HVAC equipment, pipes, and windows. • Plumbing leaks in mechanical rooms, restrooms, or classrooms. • Increased moisture during floor cleaning or construction projects. Even small amounts of moisture can support mold growth if materials remain wet for 24 to 48 hours. Ceiling tiles, drywall, insulation, carpet, and wood products are especially vulnerable. Early Detection Is the Best Risk Management Strategy Large mold claims rarely begin as major events. More often, they start as a small leak, a hidden condensation issue, or an HVAC problem that wasn't identified early. Routine building walkthroughs during summer months should include looking for: • Musty or earthy odors. • Water stains or discoloration. • Condensation around HVAC equipment. • Damp carpet or flooring. • Elevated indoor humidity. • Visible microbial growth on building materials. • Occupant complaints following summer occupancy or athletic activities. Addressing moisture quickly is far less expensive than managing widespread contamination after school resumes. Know When to Test When testing is appropriate, districts should work with an independent Industrial Hygienist (IH). An IH provides an objective assessment, determines whether sampling is necessary, identifies the extent of affected areas, and develops remediation recommendations based on industry standards. Having a trusted Industrial Hygienist established before an emergency occurs helps ensure: • Faster response times. • Objective documentation. • Appropriate sampling strategies. • Clear remediation protocols. • Validation that remediation was completed successfully when needed. This partnership provides confidence for administrators, staff, parents, and insurance carriers. Voss Lighting offers comprehensive solutions for all your lighting needs— from specification and design to installation and commissioning. Let our lighting specialists help you create a brighter, more efficient learning environment both in the classroom and on the field. CALL US TODAY TO COMPLETE YOUR NEXT LIGHTING PROJECT! St. Louis: (636) 660-0088 Kansas City: (816) 471-8677 vosslighting.com Mold Prevention Before You See It: Reducing Risk During Missouri's Summer Months
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