Greetings MS & HS Steeler Family,
I want to share a clear and reassuring update regarding recent construction activity at Lackawanna High School.
On Monday morning, the first day students returned from Winter Break, dust was discovered in one wing of the high school south of the cafeteria on both floors near the construction area. As soon as this was brought to our attention, we acted immediately with the health and safety of our students and staff as our top priority. I want to emphasize that this is deeply personal to me. My heart and soul attend our middle school and high school, and I would never take a situation like this lightly.
Work stopped right away. An onsite review was conducted, and we consulted with our construction and environmental partners. All decisions were made out of an abundance of caution.
It is important to state clearly that this dust was not asbestos.
As part of our capital project, the District has followed all required state and federal safety regulations related to asbestos. The building was posted with the required Occupancy Notice on November 21. Asbestos abatement began on December 4 and was completed on December 18. On December 19, a state licensed independent environmental firm conducted final air testing and approved the start of demolition. Interior demolition began on December 22, the first day of Winter Break. No asbestos work occurred during the break, and any dust observed when students returned was not related to asbestos abatement.
The dust identified on Monday was associated with general demolition work and occurred at the transition point between the construction zone and occupied areas. While some dust can occur during demolition, it should not enter learning spaces, which is why immediate corrective actions were taken.
Our review determined that the likely cause of the dust was a temporary door between the construction workspace and an occupied area. That door has since been fully sealed from the interior. All access to the construction area will now take place through an exterior entrance only.
To address the issue, the following actions were taken. Demolition work was stopped immediately. Additional containment and sealing were installed. Negative air pressure and dust suppression methods were reinforced. The contractor cleaned all affected areas. District custodial staff completed additional follow up cleaning. Demolition and cleanup work were moved to evening hours, with increased cleaning before the school day.
Some families have also asked about dust observed in the middle school. That dust was not related to the high school construction. The middle school and high school have separate ventilation systems, and air does not circulate between them. We do not anticipate additional concerns as construction continues.
You may also notice an abatement truck and disposal container on site. This is expected and reflects the next phase of regulated work following demolition. Its presence does not indicate a new issue or unresolved concern.
We will continue to closely monitor conditions and take any additional steps needed to keep our schools safe. The health and well being of our students and staff guide every decision we make.
Thank you for your patience, trust, and continued support as we improve our facilities for our students and community.
Warm regards,
Nadia A. Nashir
Superintendent of Schools