WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – A teacher at Watertown High School discovered asbestos in a classroom last week, according to Superintendent Larry Schmiegel.<\/p>\n
Schmiegel said the discovery led the district to lock the doors on three classrooms and an office space.<\/p>\n
District response<\/p>\n
In a statement, Schmiegel wrote that district staff, along with a New York State Asbestos Management Planner and an environmental consulting firm, conducted walkthroughs of the building.<\/p>\n
Schmiegel said all classes and staff in the affected rooms have been relocated to new classrooms. No other rooms required closure, and preventive work will be completed in other areas to help avoid future concerns.<\/p>\n
The district said all closed rooms will remain closed until mitigation is complete and they are cleared for use.<\/p>\n
Union response<\/p>\n
Watertown Education Association President Kevin Todd sent a memo to union members at the high school after a meeting with district administration. In the memo, Todd wrote that the district now assumes all plaster walls potentially contain asbestos.<\/p>\n
Todd told 7 News, \u201cThe District is working closely with my union and the experts at NYSUT (New York State United Teachers) to protect all staff and students.\u201d<\/p>\n
Next steps<\/p>\n
Schmiegel said that the district board will need to declare the situation an emergency. In order to receive state funds to mitigate the asbestos, the state will also need to declare the situation a true emergency.<\/p>\n
Once that happens, the school can move forward to remove the asbestos and restore the four rooms to usable condition.<\/p>\n
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