Possible Asbestos Disturbance Cancels Classes at South Heights Elementary
By: Shalah Sasse
Updated: January 27, 2013
A Henderson County school is closed Friday but not because of the weather. South Heights Elementary is canceling classes Friday because of a possible asbestos problem. School officials say this all stems from a roof leak last week. No one is allowed back in the building until the EPA has a better idea of what it's working with.
South Heights Elementary students and staff will be staying home Friday as environmental experts work inside the school.
"We had some roof damage at South Heights which caused the rain to come through and started to leak in the classroom and after a few days, the water tile got wet and dropped so we need to repair that in the classroom," Assistant Superintendent, Marganna Stanley said.
Henderson County school officials say while cleaning up the water damage and replacing the carpet, the maintenance department realized there could be some asbestos contamination. The damage happened in the older section of the building which was built in the 50's.
School officials say the EPA and a certified contractor will be taking samples inside the classroom that had the roof leak, surrounding classrooms, and the hallway.
The classroom with water damage was used by 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, but officials say the room has not been used since the leak. Those students were moved to the library.
"When we met this morning with the EPA folks, the building principal was in there as well. We immediately talked about the safety of the kids, movement within that wing for the remainder of the day. We asked teachers to shut their doors, limit traffic up and down that hallway," Stanley said.
Parents are encouraged to call Henderson County Schools or a family doctor. So far, officials say no one has reported any symptoms.
More than 560 students attend South Heights. School officials say they do not know how long South Heights will be closed, but say they will call families on Sunday to give them an update. They hope to have a better idea of the situation Friday.
South Heights Elementary students and staff will be staying home Friday as environmental experts work inside the school.
"We had some roof damage at South Heights which caused the rain to come through and started to leak in the classroom and after a few days, the water tile got wet and dropped so we need to repair that in the classroom," Assistant Superintendent, Marganna Stanley said.
Henderson County school officials say while cleaning up the water damage and replacing the carpet, the maintenance department realized there could be some asbestos contamination. The damage happened in the older section of the building which was built in the 50's.
School officials say the EPA and a certified contractor will be taking samples inside the classroom that had the roof leak, surrounding classrooms, and the hallway.
The classroom with water damage was used by 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, but officials say the room has not been used since the leak. Those students were moved to the library.
"When we met this morning with the EPA folks, the building principal was in there as well. We immediately talked about the safety of the kids, movement within that wing for the remainder of the day. We asked teachers to shut their doors, limit traffic up and down that hallway," Stanley said.
Parents are encouraged to call Henderson County Schools or a family doctor. So far, officials say no one has reported any symptoms.
More than 560 students attend South Heights. School officials say they do not know how long South Heights will be closed, but say they will call families on Sunday to give them an update. They hope to have a better idea of the situation Friday.
