Committee asks for six-month asbestos surveillance inspections and staff training list

The Lowell School Committee on Sept. 17 voted to request a six-month asbestos surveillance inspection report covering 16 district schools named in the AHERA report and to include which staff have received asbestos awareness training.

The motion was introduced by School Committee member Michael Conway and seconded by Miss Doherty. Conway said parents and staff were confused about current asbestos conditions and communications and asked the district to clarify inspection schedules and remediation actions.

"Parents are confused about it. Staff is also confused about it," Conway said, requesting a clearer communication plan and asking whether a single district staff member conducts the inspections. The superintendent responded that when the administration is made aware of problems they are fixed and agreed to provide the requested documentation.

The committee approved the request and asked the administration to present the surveillance inspection results and the staff training list to the committee.