Williamsport High School cleared for return; students to report Jan. 26 after asbestos abatement and repairs

District facilities staff told the board that asbestos abatement at Williamsport High School is complete, clearance air samples and testing were posted to the district's Williamsport asbestos page, and restoration work is on track for an expected student return on Monday, January 26.

Facilities speaker (Speaker 7) reported that "asbestos abatement is complete at Williamsport High School," with the final cleaning conducted Dec. 15 and duct cleaning finished Dec. 21; additional tile removal and re-testing occurred over the holiday break. The presentation said the district posted the final air clearance samples and the consultant's clearance letter online for community review.

Construction updates included ongoing electrical replacement (on pace to finish before students return), kitchen reconfiguration, partial flooring work on the lower level to be finished before students arrive, and about eight or nine upper-level classrooms where tile removal will be completed in the summer. The speaker said HVAC air handlers are being started up and will undergo testing and balancing over the coming weeks.

On logistics, the district proposed a prep timeline that uses Jan. 15 as a deadline for assigning new marking-period work, Jan. 16–23 for teachers to set up classrooms (with a freshman orientation day on Jan. 23), and Grades due for marking period 2 at 4 p.m. so report cards and athletic eligibility align. The district said custodial staff and additional crews will assist teachers with unpacking and room setup.

The administration said it will send targeted communications about the Williamsport plan to staff, then to parents, and to elected officials; the board thanked staff, parents and community members for patience during repairs.

No formal vote was recorded; the report was presented as an operational update and a return-to-school plan.