2 Granville County elementary schools delay opening due to previous mold problem

GRANVILLE, North Carolina (WTVD) -- Two Granville elementary schools have delayed the start of their 2017 school year because of prior mold problems.

Parents of Creedmoor and Butner Stem Elementary students said they were notified Sunday night that the schools would be closed on Monday.

Similar messages on the school's websites say delays are caused by the clean up of mold present in the building.

While officials at Creedmoor say air quality tests indicate that buildings have been cleared for re-entry and that students will start class on Thursday, Butner Stem says their delay is for the immediate future.

A statement on the Creedmoor Elementary School's website reads:

Dear Creedmoor Elementary family. This is an update about the cleaning of the school. As you know, crews have been working around the clock making sure all buildings are clean and free of mold. Air quality samples taken earlier today indicate that the buildings have been cleared for re-entry. However, we have decided to delay the opening of school until Thursday, August 31. We need this additional time to prepare for next steps and ensure the absolute safety of our staff and students. We will provide you with additional information on Wednesday, August 30. This is not the way we wanted to open school for Creedmoor, and deeply apologize for the inconvenience this is causing our students and family members. However, we feel like we cannot compromise the safety and welfare of anyone, and must be very careful as we work through this process. Thank you for your understanding.

A statement on the Butner Stem Elementary School's website reads:

Dear Butner Stem Elementary family. We regret to inform you that school will not be open tomorrow due to concerns about air quality issues in the building. Earlier today we conducted air quality and surface testing throughout the school. The results showed the presence of mold on surfaces in the school building. Therefore, we have decided to close the school to staff and students for the immediate future until we can have professional cleaning crews intervene in the affected areas. We anticipate the school may be closed for the rest of the week. This is not the way we wanted to open school for Butner-Stem Elementary School, and we deeply apologize for the inconvenience this is causing our students and family members. However, we feel like we cannot compromise the safety and welfare of anyone, and must be very careful as we work through this process. Thank you for your understanding and we promise to provide updates throughout the week as we work to resolve this issue.

Many parents reached out to ABC11 saying they're angry that the schools waited so long to notify them.

"Parents who have prepared are angry to be learning of this the night before school is scheduled to start and do not have childcare lined up," one viewer said. "We are unsure why this wasn't tested earlier. This school (Creedmoor) is often neglected in the county and the last to receive maintenance. How long has this been here? How much have our kids already been exposed? This is a major concern but also such a disappointment for many kids who were ready to start school like everyone else tomorrow."

ABC11 has reached out to the schools but has yet to hear back.