Mary Elizabeth Beach.jpg
Ware School Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Beach.
(Republican file photo)
WARE – The discovery of asbestos during remodeling at Koziol Elementary School last month added $56,000 to the
bill, but did did not delay the Aug. 28 start of school.
There was some criticism at a recent Ware school committee meeting, however, of how news of the problem was shared.
Because asbestos is a hazardous material, strict regulations dictate procedures for its removal from public buildings, which makes the abatement costly.
The asbestos problem was discovered in August while workers were re-tiling 8 rooms, 2 lavatories and a hallway at the elementary school, according to Superintendent Mary-Elizabeth Beach. The cost for that work was $29,000.
But when the contractors discovered asbestos underneath the tiles, the school hired Abide Inc. of East Longmeadow for removal.
Beach said the company fully abated the asbestos by Aug. 23 – in time for school to open without worry the following week.
“My goal was to open the school on time,” Beach told the school committee last week.
Committeeman Brian Winslow said he was not adequately informed about the matter, saying: “I consider asbestos pretty serious.”
He told the committee “for me it was like pulling teeth” getting information.
Beach told the committee that 320 letters were sent to elementary school parents, and school board Chairman Christopher T. Desjardins was informed right away.
Desjardins said he forwarded communications from Beach to the entire board and that he was satisfied with the process and Beach’s efforts.
There was also some question about how the $56,000 would be paid.
According to Town Manager Stuart Beckley, the school is looking at paying the bill via the $59,000 currently in the Reserve Fund that is overseen by the Finance Committee.
Another option is to seek money at a special Town Meeting.