Letter from the Superintendent
April 29, 2021
UPDATE ON THE CONDITION OF HILLCREST ELEMENTARY FLOORS
Dear Members of the Hillcrest Elementary School Community,
This past Tuesday evening, I provided School Committee with an update on the tile floors and the concerns related to asbestos. Recently, the facilities staff has had to address reports of broken tiles. The district employs contractors with expertise in dealing with these materials, in order to ensure that any repairs are handled according the expert recommendations. We consulted with Abide Environmental Consulting on the current condition of the floors. Below is a summary what we have done and what is recommended moving forward:
· On the date of the consultant visit, classroom #2 had a new “dig” mark in the tile that chipped up some smaller pieces; Abide advised that even this was not a fiber release episode since the material is not considered friable and does not become airborne.
- Abide indicated that this incident does not pose a health risk and we do not need stop traffic in the areas of concern. The exposed tiles have been glued down and covered in layers of wax.
- Abide suggested a partial remediation of the trouble/ loose areas of the tile and mastic that included putting down new Vinyl Composite Tile in place of the damaged tiles or in specific rooms (partial abatement and repair).
- Abide recommended the district consider a full building abatement (removal and replacement of all tile floors), since problems with the tiles are going to continue to occur.
The district will be meeting with the Town of Montague Capital Planning Committee to discuss full and partial abatement options. I have asked Director of Facilities, Heath Cummings, to provide a summary of possible plans with School Committee on May 11th. We will also share that summary with families and staff.
Sincerely,
Brian Beck
Superintendent of Schools