A suspected mould problem has forced the closure of Mountainview Elementary in Howie Centre. (Wendy Martin/CBC)

A suspected mould problem has forced the closure of Mountainview Elementary School in Howie Centre, just outside of Sydney. About 173 students at the school have the remainder of this week off and will start classes at East Bay Elementary School on Monday.

"It was discovered by one of the cleaning staff in the building under routine maintenance of the building," said Charles Sheppard, the co-ordinator of school services with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School board.

"It was discovered in various parts of the building, so an unknown object, we don't know if it's mold or if it's mildew."

The school board doesn't know what caused the mould or mildew to form.

An environmental consulting company will come up with a plan for cleaning the substance.

"[They'll] find out first where the problem is coming from and clean the building, and clear the building for occupancy," said Sheppard.

Amy Pruski has two children at Mountainview and said the school's closure will be a bit of a hassle.

"It'll be a little bit disruptive I work full time and I have the girls in the afterschool program," she said.

Natasha Magliaro is another parent, she's behind the school board's decision to close the school.

"No need to react until we have reason to, so they're doing what they're supposed to do," said Magliaro.

Sheppard said so far no one has complained of any health problems related to the possible mould.

He wasn't able to say exactly how long the school will be closed, but he believes it will remain shut down for a least a week.