Crews removing asbestos before demolition

Crews from IB-1, an asbestos abatement firm, are currently removing asbestos from the classroom wing of Lake Roosevelt High School, and district officials stated last week that it will take about two weeks to complete the work.

Then it will be time for the wrecking ball.

Work was temporarily delayed recently when it was discovered that there was more asbestos in the building than previously thought.

Thirteen of the classrooms had asbestos tile under carpeting.

Superintendent Dr. Dennis Carlson stated this week that the abatement firm plans to remove asbestos from the additional rooms on a time-and-material basis. He said the estimate of cost for the added work will be around $53,000.

Once the asbestos material is removed, then the building is scheduled for demolition making way for the grounds area to be filled to final grade.

The administration area and gym complex both escape the wrecking ball and figure into the final planned use of spaces.

Recently the school board voted to use contingency funds to redo the roof and siding of the administration space and gym so it will match the new K-12 structure.