School Board Directors to Re-Advertise for Asbestos Removal
by Jonathan Weaver
Even with construction projects on-hold in a local school district, board directors approved for potentially-harmful fibers to be removed from two schools.
Armstrong School District board directors approved advertising for asbestos abatement within Ford City Jr. –Sr. High School and Kittanning Sr. High School – two schools which will possibly be renovated in the current construction plan – potentially this summer.
According to previous advertisements, asbestos removal at Ford City Jr. – Sr. High School is estimated to cost $350,000. The same work is to cost approximately $450,000 at Kittanning Sr. High School.
Directors previously advertised for bidders last month, but bids were not opened because it is unknown whether the construction projects will proceed. The projects are currently on-hold pending a Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Act 34 public hearing at Elderton High School Thursday, April 28 at 7PM.
Asbestos abatement must be done before the construction projects can begin, but is not reimbursable through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Action to seek bids for both schools was passed 5-4 with Board Members Chris Choncek, James Rearic, Joseph Close and Steven Kozuch voting against the action.
Armstrong School District Director Chris Choncek said he is waiting until Thursday’s hearing on construction projects before deciding on the abatement.
Choncek explained why he voted to seek results from Thursday’s hearing on construction projects before deciding on the abatement.
“The state’s not sure, and everyone’s not sure if this is going to go through -that we’re going to get the reimbursement – so until that is determined from this Act 34 state-sponsored hearing, stop all the projects involved in this renovation because they would not be doing the asbestos abatement if it was not for the renovation project,” Choncek said.
Board directors have not discussed a contingency plan if construction plans are not approved by the state, which Choncek said might alter some board members’ plans.
“If we don’t get reimbursed and they don’t approve the project, obviously some of that stuff is going to have to change,” Choncek said.
According to PDE, Departmental approval of PlanCon Part F (construction documents) for a project does not guarantee reimbursement for that project. A project is deemed eligible for reimbursement only upon written Departmental approval of PlanCon Part G, Project Accounting Based on Bids.
Armstrong School District Director Steven Kozuch said he is not in the board majority that approved the asbestos bidding.
Because the asbestos removal could potentially be done at a different time than the construction projects, Board Member Steven Kozuch said he is not in the board majority that approved the asbestos bidding.
“I have not backed the separation of the asbestos abatement from the project from Day One when it was first proposed,” Kozuch said. “I’m in favor of it being done, but I wasn’t in favor of it being separate from the rest of the project.”
L.R. Kimball architects will advertise for the asbestos removal three times before bids are opened.
Armstrong School District | jweaver April 26, 2011
By travismichael, April 26, 2011 @ 1:56 PM
Asbestos removal is a very important step to avoid exposing the students, faculty and staff of the school. Inhalation of this mineral has been linked to asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Hopefully the abatement will be done in such a way as to minimize the amount of possible exposure. Regards, TM
By mutchka, April 26, 2011 @ 3:43 PM
Still no campaign promises from the sign people. We have promises from the vice president of the school board 8o million in repairs no tax increase and no new schools. From the sign people Im a doctor vote for me and my 2 buddies. Whats wrong with this picture!!!!!! I cant vote for any of them because while I dont want to spend any money I also dont want to vote for the gang of three with no platform.
By FTD, April 26, 2011 @ 3:50 PM
Asbestos is not a problem unless it is disturbed. If the renovations take place, asbestos abatement must preceed the work. If the renovations are not done, there isn’t any need to disturb the asbestos. It must be airborne to become an issue.
By ASDpayer, April 26, 2011 @ 6:00 PM
hey mutchka—get a clue—-go to the meeting at Smith Center and the Dept of Ed meeting. As for sign people—tell me what Yassem ever said, or Markilinksi or Kozuch. Quit being a puppet for Solak.
By forward, April 26, 2011 @ 6:15 PM
In the mid to late 1980′s the asbestos WAS REMOVED from the Kittanning Senior High School. I personally knew a man who was part of the crew, that man has passed away now but I remember him saying the asbestos was used to insulate pipes and had to be removed. I don’t remember if the pipe insulation was the only thing removed but I do know that at the time it was said and believed that the school was asbestos free ? ! Where in that school is the asbestos that they are now proposing to remove ?
By mjslee2001, April 26, 2011 @ 6:51 PM
Mr. Solak please tell me why you voted for the trailer to be put at Ford City when you said at last Mondays meeting that you were against any new expense until the PDE makes there desicion on the renovation plan. I hope the Armstrong taxpayer do our children justice and Vote on May 17 their future depends on it. Don’t expect everyone to do the research for you give them a call. I will be voting on May 17 My three children are depending on me.
By tpick, April 28, 2011 @ 6:12 AM
@ forward – asbestos was removed @ Ford City also during that same time period when renovations were happening- 1985-86? I was under the impression it was all removed @ that time. Must be that it was removed only in areas of the schools that were being renovated? Why are they voting to move ahead with removal when the whole renovation issue is up in the air?
FTD is right on the money with his comment.