Washington School Checking For Asbestos

By: Steve Nicoles, Reporter

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By Steve Nicoles

Story Created: Mar 27, 2007 at 5:17 PM CST

Story Updated: Mar 27, 2007 at 5:22 PM CST

WASHINGTON - A problem many schools dealt with 30 years ago is creeping back into a Washington elementary school. The EPA is checking for asbestos fibers. The school is shaking things up in order to keep the kids safe.

Mrs. Kalm's kindergartners have had an unusual start to their week. When they came to Stewart Elementary School on Monday the door to their room was duct-taped shut. Signs posted on it warn students to stay out. Superintendent Dave Schmitt said, “We found out the glue was letting loose on the asbestos, possibly asbestos-laden tile."

The school tested the room twice. Results will be back later this week. In the meantime, Mrs. Kalm's kids and the school had to tell parents and guardians. Schmitt said, “When people have knowledge of a situation they are less concerned. It's uncertainty that makes people grow concerned."

Kathy Rode picked up her granddaughter from school Tuesday. She said, “They have done a real good job with communicating with all of us and letting us know the kids are going to move and why and what all the testing will be about."

Perhaps the biggest problem was one of logistics. Twenty kindergartners moved from their classroom into the teachers' lounge. And from the lounge came the soda machine and refrigerator. Principal Melissa Walker said, “There were already tables in there that were the appropriate size for those kids. (Mrs. Kalm) was willing to use these tables so we were set to go."

Students have not had any problem adjusting to their new classroom. More importantly, none of them are sick with asbestos poisoning. But the district is not taking any chances.

The school principal says there is asbestos under some of the tile flooring, but crews testing for fibers in the air say there is usually nothing to worry about.

email steve nicoles at steve.nicoles@kcrg.com

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