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Board discusses fire-damaged district unit, asbestos concerns and a proposed lease with nearby church
Summary
Board members reported a lightning-strike fire in a district-owned unit, discussed asbestos in floor tile and a contractor estimate that could total roughly $600,000, and reviewed a possible lease or sale of a strip of land behind McMle for a church parking lot. The board requested a second estimator and additional paperwork from the church before any action.
The Westwood Heights Schools Board of Education discussed a fire-damaged district unit and related facilities concerns at its May 6 meeting, focusing on asbestos in floor materials, repair-cost estimates and a potential property lease with a nearby church.
A buildings-and-grounds committee member reported three items from the committee’s recent meeting: the unit behind McMle struck by lightning, negotiations with a church interested in buying a parcel behind McMle for a parking lot, and a separate Lisby Street matter still under committee review. The committee said the church has offered to pay for a survey and submit a preparatory map that the board will review before any sale or lease decision.
Committee members told the board that the floor tile mastic in the damaged unit contains asbestos and that removal options are under consideration. The committee reported a contractor’s range of about $100–$150 per square foot for abatement and repair, which was described as coming to roughly $600,000 in total; the transcript indicates that figure as approximate. The board directed staff to obtain a second estimate and to bring back documentation from the church showing the survey and property description before moving forward.
District staff member Don Harrington was identified as the staff contact who will pursue the additional estimator and coordinate with the insurance investigator. Board discussion emphasized liability and the logistics of any parcel transfer, including potential impacts on the McMonicole elementary school yard and adjacent Pop Warner field.
Next steps recorded in the meeting: the district will seek a second independent estimate of abatement and repair costs, the church will supply a survey and a preparatory map for review, and the board will revisit the matter once the additional information is received.
