Friendswood ISD approves $1.3M for Westwood Elementary remediation

Following the discovery of increased moisture and visible surface mold at Westwood Elementary in July, the total cost of remediation reached around $1.3 million after the board approved the emergency expenditure at its Sept. 28 workshop.

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In July, air and surface testing conducted by an environmental consultant found elevated mold levels at the campus but did not identify black mold, as previously reported by Community Impact. 

A remediation contractor determined that the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system was unable to adequately control moisture during June and July. The excess moisture saturated sections of the roof deck and spread into other areas of the building, according to an Aug. 18 news release from the district. 

Cost to the district 

In August, the district replaced affected HVAC units, scheduled roof repairs, and hired an environmental restoration contractor to complete cleaning, mold remediation, testing and repairs. The contractor also removed and disposed of affected library materials, and installed new carpet throughout the campus before Westwood Elementary reopened Aug. 24.

The nearly $1.3 million remediation project, performed by Texas General Contractors, was completed and funded during the 2025-26 fiscal year through the district’s capital projects fund as an emergency expenditure, district documents show.