December 14th, 2005

A school board has been advised to apply for a grant in order to get funding for the costly removal of the potentially deadly and carcinogenic material asbestos from the school building. Superintendent James Gaylord has suggested that the Seabrook School Board make a bond application for the 2007 budget in order to ensure that the funding is available for the removal of the asbestos.

Gaylord states that the school could get 30% back on the cost of the work, and this would be interest free. He added: "I think we should look into this and prepare possible bonding for April ’07." He also stated that the bond would be over 13 years, making it easier for taxpayers to handle.

The cost of the asbestos removal in the school building has already been assessed by an environmental company, and the cost has been estimated at nearly four $400,000. This does not include any additional costs that could come from replacement of any removed tiles or materials.

The asbestos is in a number of areas, such as the exterior walls. However, environmental officials have stated that it would not be worth getting it removed unless the work was part of a renovation project.