Asbestos Prompts Emergency Closure Of Local Elementary School
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- A potential health hazard is forcing an emergency closure at a local elementary school.
Fruit Ridge Elementary School was closed on Friday, February 18, to allow asbestos specialists to test insulation in the attic crawl space above the buildings main hall classrooms.
The school was ordered to shut down for one day by Superintendent Jonathon Raymond, after work crews installing wireless technology came in contact with insulation, potentially disrupting the asbestos.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we're going to close the school building on Friday and will make sure it is thoroughly tested and its safety is approved by experts," Raymond said. "Nothing is more important than the safety of our children."
An independent laboratory is using a electron microscopy system to analyze air samples collected Friday from several main hall classrooms. The tests will determine if asbestos fibers made their way from the attic to classrooms during the wireless installation process.
Regardless, Superintendent ordered the relocation of students and staff to the vacant Bear Flag Elementary School site, located at 6620 Gloria Drive.
SCUSD will provide bus transportation for students and will change the school schedule to allow time for students to travel to and from school. Parents were notified of the relocation on Friday afternoon.
