Asbestos next on Lisbon's list

LISBON — As the project to add new recreation facilities and replace the roof on the Lisbon Central School building comes to a close, district officials are turning their sights on asbestos abatement.

The roof and recreation project was expected to cost about $4 million. But as payments are being finalized, officials expect to have about $700,000 left over, which they hope to put toward asbestos abatement.

"Overall, the project went very, very well, considering the amount of rain we had this summer," district Superintendent Erin E. Woods said. "Our students and community are really enjoying our outdoor basketball courts and we've got a new fitness trail that's gotten great use."

The project, started in late May, also added a back entrance to the building and fixed up a music and art room.

About 90 percent of the 120,000-square-foot roof was replaced, because leaks were causing water damage and mold in the chorus and band rooms, district officials said. The renovations, which included replacing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, are expected to solve the mold problems.

According to Mrs. Woods, the next problem the district hopes to address is vinyl floor tiles that contain asbestos in a number of rooms and a hallway in the elementary wing of the school. The tiles have been carpeted over, Mrs. Woods said.

"When the carpet is removed, there is asbestos tile that would need to be pulled up and replaced," she said. "We actually have carpet in a number of classrooms that needs to be replaced, but it's not that simple of a process."

Bernier, Carr & Associates, Watertown, has been overseeing the project and its engineers are looking into the extent of the asbestos and the cost of abatement, Mrs. Woods said. She said she expects a cost estimate will be available at the Dec. 9 board meeting.

"We're hopeful that it is going to be enough to abate the asbestos in the building, as well as get a couple of areas accomplished that we'd like to see done," she said.

The district also will consider replacing the clock system and buying more security cameras, Mrs. Woods said.

The state Expanding Our Children's Education and Learning program is providing $309,000 for the project. The rest is covered by the state Education Department.