Del Sur Elementary to Reopen on July 9, 2027
The San Diego campus will welcome students back following extensive mold remediation and HVAC system replacements.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Asthma
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Poway Unified School District plans to reopen Del Sur Elementary School on July 9, 2027. The campus was closed in August 2026 after the discovery of mold required extensive cleaning and infrastructure repairs.
Why it matters
The closure stems from long-standing humidity and mold issues that forced the relocation of students to Stone Ranch Elementary. The district has undertaken major HVAC system replacements to resolve the root causes of these environmental concerns.
Official reports indicate the district spent over $766,000 on mold remediation throughout 2026. Prior to the closure, internal records from 2024 had identified six specific rooms at the school with significant mold concerns.
The players
Poway Unified School District
This public school district serves students in parts of San Diego County and is responsible for maintaining all campus facilities.
Del Sur Elementary School
This educational facility in San Diego has been closed since August 2026 due to the discovery of mold.
Stone Ranch Elementary
This school served as the temporary host site for displaced students from the closed Del Sur campus.
The details
Remediation efforts included the removal of flooring, wall materials, and ceilings to address Stachybotrys mold previously discovered on frames and pipes. The district is also finalizing the replacement of the HVAC system to ensure proper humidity control at the San Diego site.
Timeline
2024: Internal records identified six rooms as a mold concern.
August 2026: The school closed abruptly before the academic year began.
September 30 - October 8, 2026: A mold assessment was conducted on school buildings.
November 5, 2026: District officials are scheduled to brief the board on findings.
July 9, 2027: The scheduled reopening date for Del Sur Elementary.
The Big Picture
The district's remediation strategy follows the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mold cleanup guidelines to ensure safe environmental levels for students and staff. This extensive removal of building materials and HVAC upgrades mirrors standard industry procedures for resolving indoor air quality hazards.
The remediation efforts directly impact families by resolving indoor air quality concerns that can trigger respiratory issues like asthma. Parents can anticipate that the new HVAC system will provide better humidity control, significantly reducing the risk of future mold growth.
The takeaway
Maintaining proper humidity levels is essential for preventing mold and protecting the health of occupants in large school buildings. Regular inspections and early intervention can prevent the costly and disruptive school closures seen at the Del Sur campus.
What happens next
District officials are scheduled to present their comprehensive findings regarding the mold contamination to the school board on November 5, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about environmental triggers and respiratory health on the San Diego Asthma section page.
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