Board hears facilities plan to seal asbestos tiles at Lakeland Middle School and weigh flooring options

At a Lakeland School District Board of Trustees meeting, Tim Hague, facilities director, told trustees the district could avoid an expensive full asbestos abatement at Lakeland Middle School by sealing the existing asbestos-containing tiles and installing new surface flooring.

Hague said the tiles “are not a hazard” as long as they are not disturbed, noting that “asbestos has to be airborne to create a hazard.” He recommended sealing the tile and then installing a replacement surface rather than grinding or removing the tile, which can create airborne contamination during abatement work.

The board discussed two main replacement options: glue-down carpet tiles and vinyl plank flooring. Hague said vinyl plank is usually installed as a floating floor to allow for building expansion and contraction, but that some glue-down vinyl products exist; that factor will affect whether glue-down installation over sealed tile is viable. He also described carpet tiles as a practical classroom option because individual tiles can be pulled and replaced when stained.

Trustees and staff discussed moisture and cleaning practices that have previously caused glue failure and surface bubbling, including repeated water extraction during carpet shampooing. Hague said improving drying procedures — using fans, air movers, heat and dehumidifiers during cleaning — would reduce that risk. The facilities team recommended purchasing dehumidifiers for district use; staff estimated a unit cost of $1,500 and said two units would likely cover the district’s immediate needs.

Board members asked staff to price both the sealing-plus-surface approach and full abatement and to bring back cost comparisons and a recommended scope. Trustees also discussed reallocating previously budgeted carpet-replacement money (for Betty Keefer and other projects) to cover needed equipment or flooring if the board approves the sealing approach. One speaker noted industry practice favors avoiding disturbance when possible, and staff said sealing is considered best practice where airborne risk can be avoided.

No formal motion to change the abatement contract amount or to approve a specific flooring product was taken; staff were asked to return with firm prices and recommendations at a future meeting.

Hague and district staff said they would prepare cost estimates, scope options (seal + carpet tiles, glue-down carpet, or vinyl plank), and a list of equipment purchases (dehumidifiers and air movers) for a follow-up facilities workshop or the next regular meeting.

The board discussion included operational details and budget context but did not produce a final procurement vote.