August 14, 2026

Dear Edison Parents and Staff,

The District has received the test results for the remaining classrooms at Edison Elementary. Based on those results, it has been determined that 37 out of 45 classrooms show indications of mold activity and related air quality concerns.

Due to the extent of these findings, the Edison campus will remain closed longer than initially anticipated. The remediation and reconstruction process for the additional affected classrooms is expected to take up to one month to complete. To minimize disruptions and safely return students and staff to campus as quickly as possible, the District has requested that the environmental team accelerate the work with night and weekend crews in hopes of reopening the campus sooner.

After careful consideration by District and campus leadership, it has been determined that the most effective way to begin the school year in a timely manner is to temporarily relocate Edison students and staff while remediation efforts are underway.

Beginning Wednesday, August 19, Edison students and staff will begin the school year at temporary locations at First Baptist Church, the Boys & Girls Club, and Chalmers Elementary. We believe the structure, capacity, and close proximity of these facilities provide the best possible environment for our students, families, and staff during this transition. The temporary campus locations are as follows.

• Pre-Kindergarten: First Baptist Church Youth Center

• Kindergarten: Boys & Girls Club

• First Grade: First Baptist Church (Old Building)

• SPED Life Skills: Chalmers Elementary

This plan allows students to continue learning in a structured school environment while remediation efforts are completed at Edison. Our child nutrition provider, Chartwells K12, will implement a plan to ensure all students receive both breakfast and lunch.

Additional information regarding schedules, transportation, arrival and dismissal procedures, and other logistical details will be shared with families as plans are finalized.

We understand that the first day of school can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for our youngest learners and their families. To help make this transition as smooth as possible, Edison Meet the Teacher Night will be held on Tuesday, August 18, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Gainesville Junior High School, 1201 S. Lindsay St.

Parking will be available on both the east side of the building and on the west side near the competition gym and football field. Please do not park on Lindsay Street.

• First Grade families and teachers will meet in the PE gym

• Kindergarten families and teachers will meet in the Cafeteria

• Pre-K families and teachers will meet in the Library

We recognize the challenges this situation presents for our students, families, and staff. The health and safety of our students and employees remain our highest priority, and we appreciate your patience, flexibility, and support as we work through this process together.

The District will continue to provide updates throughout the coming weeks as new information becomes available. We remain committed to providing a safe learning environment and keeping families informed every step of the way.

Sincerely,

 

DesMontes Stewart, Ed.D. 

Superintendent 

Gainesville ISD