A principal's principles

Last week, Flagg parents received several automated telephone calls from the principal regarding some supposed construction that was going to be going on in one of the elementary school classrooms and that those students had temporarily been moved to another room in the building.

During the second of these calls she said "The school is perfectly safe."

What was NEVER mentioned in any of these calls was that the children were moved out of the classroom because of ASBESTOS!  In one of the first grade classrooms, there was a section of tile that got repeatedly wet and had disintegrated. Apparently the school custodian brought in his supervisor after something like 2 months and he identified the asbestos and closed that classroom immediately. The teacher and many parents were aware of this exchange. Calls were made. Discussions ensued about risks to the children's respiratory health and possible complications of the cleanup and whether it would be handled properly. All the while parents are getting these cryptic messages about a construction project.

Worcester Public Schools happens to have a history improper removal of asbsestos. At the end of 2009, the city settled allegations made by the state that asbestos tiles were not removed and disposed of at Vernon Hill School. (LegalNewsline.com)

Asbestos is a known carcinogen and becomes of significant concern when it becomes airborne. This can then be inhaled posing a respiratory hazard. Cleanup must be conducted by an approved asbestos removal contractor. Inspectional services is supposed to be notified.

Well, if it's any relief, Inspectional services was notified. Cleanup is to occur over this week during school vacation and I really hope that it's by a licensed asbestos removal service.

Why, if it's being handled properly, does the principal feel the need to fib to parents? Got to wonder.