January 20th, 2006

As renovations continue at Wellesley Middle School, it has been confirmed that asbestos abatement will also be continuing. Officials have confirmed that the removal of asbestos is a multi-stage process, and have confirmed that they are communicating with parents of students with each stage of the abatement. As workers carrying out renovations start work in new areas, the areas are being sealed off and officials state that testing is being carried out both before and after abatement to ensure safety.

The school principal stated: "I send out an e-mail whenever a new phase of the project begins. Asbestos abatement is part of every new phase - when they get to a new part of the building and get to the demolition phase, they have to remove any materials that may contain asbestos."

However, some parents are still showing signs of concern over both the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, which include a deadly cancer known as mesothelioma, as well as the short notice given to parents about the abatement phases. With regards to this the principal added: "Sometimes, parents tune into information at different stages of the project. This is part of a multistage removal of asbestos that the Permanent Building Committee approved."

It was also confirmed that the abatement takes place after school hours when students have gone home.