Mold repair forces Memphis’ Peabody Elementary to remain closed for the school year

Students at Memphis’s Peabody Elementary School will continue to attend classes elsewhere for the remainder of the school year.Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) announced Friday that it plans to keep Peabody closed until the fall to continue mold remediation and other improvements.  Peabody students have been attending classes at nearby Middle College High School since last month when repairs began.“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,” wrote the district in a news release.Peabody Elementary School was originally constructed in 1909 and is one of the district’s oldest.MSCS says the extent of the mold remediation along with work to address long term building deficiencies have combined to make the extended closure necessary.  District leaders also plan to take advantage on the closure to work on other projects including flooring repair/replacement, painting, ceiling grid repairs, ceiling tile replacement, replacement of the existing ductwork, exterior brick repairs, window repairs, and LED lighting upgrades.“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,” wrote the district. “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.”