Parents and safety advocates urged the Evaluation Subcommittee on Sept. 23 to order independent air testing and to keep students and staff out of the Robert L. Maderas Resiliency Preparatory Academy until the building is confirmed safe after a state inspection found multiple asbestos-related violations.

Taylor Perry, introduced to the subcommittee as a Fall River resident and parent, said a 10-page state report documented “23 access access related violations” and that the district faces $81,250 in fines if the issues are not corrected by Oct. 13. Perry said the violations included missing inspection records, inadequate warning signage, and problems with poly sheeting and loose caulking and called for “independent air quality testing of every occupied space” and for RPA’s closure until testing confirms safety.

The request came during the public-comments portion of the subcommittee meeting. Perry said: “This is far more serious than a missing binder. The absence of a certified asbestos coordinator and the legally required inspection records represents a critical compliance failure.” The written comment was signed “Kayla and Kyrie.”

Subcommittee members asked staff for specifics about the cited report and its deadline. A staff member responding at the meeting said the district had contacted the state Department of Public Health and other entities and was “awaiting a reply on testing.” When asked about the Oct. 13 deadline, the staff member said the district had actions such as signage and training lined up and expected to meet the deadline.

The staff member also told the subcommittee that the district could either be assessed the full $81,250 penalty or could apply “all or part of it to any action that we’re taking,” and that the district planned to apply the funds toward corrective actions.

Why this matters: Asbestos regulations and inspections are intended to prevent exposure during building maintenance and construction. Subcommittee members said they expect a fuller briefing to the full committee; the public commenter and residents urged that independent testing be conducted and that the building remain closed until testing confirms it is safe.

What’s next: The district staff reported they had contacted state public-health authorities and others and would meet the Oct. 13 timelines for listed corrective items; the matter was discussed in the subcommittee for public information and is expected to be addressed with additional updates at the full committee level.