Board approves West Broad building abatement and cleanup after fire; staff to secure site and return plan for reuse
Summary
Following a fire and hazardous interior conditions, the board approved asbestos abatement, trash removal and short-term security work at the West Broad property. Staff estimated 30—145 days for the contracted abatement and will present a plan for securing and future use at the district retreat.
The Clarke County Board of Education voted to approve asbestos abatement, debris removal and short-term security measures at the West Broad building after a fire and an investigation by the fire marshal found hazardous conditions.
Superintendent Dr. Scott and facilities staff told the board the interior of the building required professional cleanup and abatement because of accumulated trash, human occupancy and known asbestos in parts of the structure. Facilities supervisor (Gilbreth) described the scope: removal of trash, hazmat cleanup where needed, and selective asbestos abatement inside the building; window glazing containing asbestos will be addressed later when larger renovation occurs. Gilbreth estimated the initial cleanup and abatement would take approximately 30 to 45 days once contractors mobilize.
Board members raised immediate concerns about site security and ongoing maintenance. Several said plywood boarding had been repeatedly torn off doors and windows and urged a permanent, presentable solution instead of temporary plywood. Staff described plans to re-board lower windows and doors, install additional fencing and increase security patrol stops at the site while the district develops longer-term plans. Board member Linda Davis asked for materials and approaches that would be more durable and respectful of the site's history.
Board members also asked about cost estimates. A board member referenced previous cleanup costs and an attachment showing a $143,000 figure for the current cleanup estimates; staff did not provide a single consolidated final cost on the record but noted prior interim cleanups and said some figures were included in meeting materials. Dr. Scott and Gilbreth said the district will present a full project proposal and timeline at the upcoming retreat that will include recommendations for securing and repurposing the building.
After discussion the board pulled the item from consent for discussion and then approved the abatement and cleanup contract in the business meeting. The board also directed staff to bring a detailed plan for site security, ongoing maintenance and potential uses back to the board at a follow-up meeting.
Why it matters: The West Broad property has historical and community importance. The approved cleanup addresses immediate public-health and safety hazards (trash, asbestos) and begins a planning process for securing and potentially repurposing the property.
What comes next: The contractor will proceed with the cleanup and asbestos abatement; the facilities team will add fencing and boarding and increase patrol checks. Staff will present a detailed project estimate, timeline and recommendations for longer-term security and reuse at the district retreat and a future board meeting.
