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Students are prohibited from using the athletic facilities at Valley High School's multipurpose building, at least temporarily, until air quality tests are completed.

Superintendent George Batterson said a small amount of mold was detected on the weight room ceiling earlier this week, the result of an ongoing problem with leaks in the roof.

"Whenever you have water leakage, there's the possibility for mold and air quality issues," Batterson said.

The district on Wednesday ordered air quality tests. The results could be available as soon as today.

Meanwhile, Batterson said administrators decided to err on the side of caution and close the weight and locker rooms to students until officials can ensure the air is healthy.

"It's important that people realize the safety of our students is our No. 1 priority," Batterson said. "I don't want to have the students in the building if there's even a possibility there's a problem."

Batterson said the administrative offices, including his own, will remain in the multipurpose building for now. That may change depending on the test results and the work needed to fix the roof.

The leaks have been an ongoing problem in the office area for several months, Batterson said. Although no leaks were seen in the weight room, Batterson said there is evidence of water in the ceiling insulation.

The district has been working with Trinity Contracting, one of the companies involved in constructing the building last year, to resolve the situation.

Batterson said it's unclear whether the building will need a new roof and insulation, or if repairs can be made.

He said no office or athletic equipment has been damaged.

Batterson and school board President Bob Pallone said the roof is under warranty. The district should not have to pay anything for repairs.

"We have to get it rectified, and we will," Pallone said. "Hopefully, they can get it fixed quickly. Safely and quickly."

Batterson said the football team, whose season starts tonight with a game at Burrell High School, will use the visitors' locker room in Valley Memorial Stadium during practices for now.

Football coach Troy Hill said interim Athletic Director Mark Kaczanowicz informed him of the situation Wednesday just before practice. Hill said his team was allowed inside only long enough to retrieve gear.

The move required Hill to cancel a planned session to review game footage on Wednesday, as the team normally would view film in the multipurpose building.

"It throws you off a little bit, not being where you need to be," Hill said. "It's a distraction."

Hill said the team is fortunate its first game is away, although he's not certain what will happen if they aren't allowed back in the building before next Friday.

Batterson said it's unclear how any repair work could affect use of the building.

Meanwhile, Hill said his team members will weather this challenge just as they have several others this season, including problems with academic ineligibility and the step up to Class AAA.

"We'll deal with it and move on," Hill said. "We're used to adjustments."

Liz Hayes can be reached at lhayes@tribweb.com.

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