MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Cooper-Young elementary school is expected to remain closed until at least fall 2024 after Memphis-Shelby County Schools said mold was found following September storms.
Students at Peabody Elementary School have been out of class since Sept. 8 when the district said mold was detected in first floor vents and grates. The second and third floors of the school were not affected, MSCS said at the time, but they did check that ductwork and air quality out of an abundance of caution.
On Thursday, September 14, Peabody Elementary students began attending classes at Middle College High School on E. Parkway, which was supposed to last until fall break. Pre-K students were moved W.H. Brewster Elementary on Sam Cooper Blvd.
Then on Oct. 6, in a letter to Peabody Elem. and Middle College High School parents, MSCS said they anticipate that Peabody will remain closed the rest of the school year as they continue with not only mold remediation at the school, which was built in 1909, but also other repairs which they called "root issues," such as French drain installation, drainage improvements, rerouting of downspouts underground, and more.
MSCS said because the school will remain closed for the school year, they will also work on other repairs and improvements, including painting, ceiling and window repairs, and lighting improvements.
Peabody students will continue to attend at Middle College High School for the remainder of the school year.
Read the full letter below:
Greetings, Peabody and Middle College Families,
The flexibility that Peabody Elementary and Middle College High School families have demonstrated over the past few weeks is extraordinary. Kudos to the school leaders and staff of both schools who worked quickly and thoughtfully to ensure that Peabody students were welcomed in their temporary home.
As we transition to Fall Break, we wanted to provide an update related to the progress of the repairs at Peabody. Once work began, our facilities teams and contractors were able to take a complete survey of the building, which is one of the District’s oldest, having been constructed in 1909.
The extent of the needed work includes continued mold remediation as well as addressing root issues for long-term solutions such as French drain installation, ground piping, regrading of the existing landscape, pressure washing, drainage improvements, rerouting of downspouts underground, and caulking.
In addition, to capitalize on the building's temporary vacancy, there are several other planned projects which include, but are not limited to, flooring repair/replacement, painting, ceiling grid repairs, ceiling tile replacement, replacement of the existing ductwork, exterior brick repairs, window repairs, and LED lighting upgrades.
Considering the need to undergo the formal solicitation process due to the estimated cost of repairs – and the time needed to complete architect and engineering consultation, design for improvements, and project execution – we anticipate the building will be ready to receive students back at Peabody in the fall of 2024. We have concluded that keeping Peabody students and staff at Middle College through the end of this school year is the best and least disruptive option as we restore this historic gem.
Additionally, recognizing that there are many infrastructure needs throughout the District, we are surveying Middle College’s beautiful Art Deco campus (completed in 1930), and will be making upgrades there, as well.
Principals Melanie Nelson and Kimberly Eason alongside teachers, classroom assistants, cafeteria workers, crossing guards, and custodial workers have worked valiantly to create an environment where both Peabody and Middle College students are thriving, and we will have ongoing conversations about additional supports. We applaud how they have rallied their teams and supported students and families. They have epitomized the meaning of #MSCSTogether.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. We will continue to provide updates as we receive them and appreciate your support.
