August 19th, 2026 Local News
Farmington, Mo. (KFMO) - Roosevelt Elementary, in the Farmington R-7 School District, is undergoing remediation after staff discovered fungal growth in a hallway and approximately 12 classrooms while preparing the building for the upcoming school year.
According to school officials, the issue was traced to two dedicated outside air HVAC systems that were damaged during the April hail storm. The systems had already been identified for repair and are currently awaiting replacement parts. District officials say both units will be repaired and operational before the start of school.
Operations staff and school administrators immediately responded after the growth was identified. The affected material has been sent for laboratory testing, and building and custodial staff completed the initial cleaning and containment efforts.
Woodard Restoration has since been brought in to complete additional remediation work. Crews are deep-treating affected areas and surfaces, applying preventative treatments designed to inhibit future fungal growth, and conducting comprehensive air quality testing to ensure the classrooms are safe before they are occupied.
District officials said they appreciate the efforts of the building and custodial staff for their quick response to the situation.
At this time, district leaders say they do not anticipate any impact on the start of the school year. However, out of an abundance of caution, the affected hallway and classrooms will remain closed until all remediation work has been completed and air quality testing confirms the spaces are safe for students and staff.
The district says the health and safety of students and employees remains its top priority and additional updates will be provided as the remediation process continues.