Del Sur Elementary School Closes Following Mold Discovery
Students are relocated after inspectors find mold in classrooms and HVAC systems at the San Diego elementary school.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Asthma
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Del Sur Elementary School in the Poway Unified School District closed in August 2026 after inspection reports identified mold spores in multiple classrooms and HVAC systems. Displaced students were relocated to Stone Ranch Elementary School for the duration of the school year.
Why it matters
Exposure to mold in indoor environments can trigger asthma symptoms and respiratory irritation, making it a critical health concern for school-aged children. Addressing these environmental hazards is essential to maintaining safe air quality for students and staff.
The Poway Unified School District has spent $766,000 on mold remediation and related costs since July 2026. While inspection reports confirm the presence of mold spores in classrooms and HVAC units, the specific type of mold identified is not yet confirmed.
The players
Poway Unified School District
The local educational authority overseeing the management of Del Sur Elementary School and its remediation efforts.
Del Sur Elementary School
The site of the mold remediation efforts in San Diego.
Stone Ranch Elementary School
The temporary location for students relocated due to the closure of Del Sur Elementary School.
The details
Maintenance records from 2023 first noted leaking HVAC units and musty smells, followed by dozens of staff complaints regarding air quality. In 2024, workers utilized thermal cameras to pinpoint mold growth within classrooms. Remediation efforts have since involved cleaning classrooms with protective equipment and washing HVAC vents in soapy water.
Timeline
2023: Staff submitted dozens of complaints regarding the school HVAC system.
2024: Thermal cameras were used to locate mold within classrooms.
July 2026: The district began tracking mold remediation costs.
August 2026: The district closed Del Sur Elementary School.
January 2027: The district intends to reopen the school.
Health Landscape
Managing indoor air quality in schools involves following the EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings guidelines. This incident reflects broader challenges in maintaining aging HVAC systems to prevent humidity-driven mold growth in school environments.
Students or staff noticing persistent respiratory symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or eye irritation should monitor these reactions when indoors. It is worth discussing any new or worsening breathing issues with your physician to identify potential environmental triggers.
The takeaway
Mold growth in HVAC systems can significantly impact indoor air quality and respiratory health. Parents and staff should remain vigilant for signs of water damage and communicate any concerns about classroom air quality to school administration promptly.
Further reading
Learn more about managing environmental asthma triggers in our Asthma section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV.
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