Leander ISD officials say a new elementary school will not open in time for the 2007-2008 school year as planned.

KVUE News

Officials say a number of things affected the delay of Grandview Hills Elementary School, including:

-- Mold found behind an outside brick wall.

-- Excessive rain causing construction delays.

-- Construction and site issues with the City of Austin.

Officials said the mold is not airborne and poses no health threat, but they want to make sure it is removed before any students and staff members go on campus.

Grandview Hills Elementary School will not open until at least January, according to LISD officials, and it's possible it may not open at all next year.

Grandview Hills was already a source of controversy for some LISD parents who have been concerned about the school's safety because the site once housed a chemical company.

One environmental test determined there were elevated levels of toxic chemicals under the building and on campus grounds. In response, school officials said in April that the levels of contamination are not high enough to justify suspending work.

A second round of confirmation testing was performed, and the environmental firm Weston Solutions said the school was“an extremely safe school” during a May 3 Leander ISD school board meeting. Some chemicals were found in a retention pond near the parking lots, but the company said they were most likely from asphalt sealant run-off, and not from the chemical plant.

LISD officials have met with parents of students who will attend Grandview Hills on where those students will be placed next year.

A public briefing on the construction situation will take place Thursday May 17 at the LISD school board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Cedar Park Middle School.

There will also be updates for residents Thursday, May 24, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Steiner Ranch Community Center -- 5:30-6:30 p.m. for Grandview Hills residents and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. for River Place residents.