NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — After a Rockland County high school was forced to go remote once initial reports suspected "hazardous materials" in certain classrooms, officials said Friday it will extend virtual instruction until January after tests found mold and asbestos.
In their announcement, officials confirmed local testing consultant Quality Environmental Solutions & Technologies Inc.'s findings will force the entire building to be closed for removal.
"In light of the school’s increasing enrollment and in consideration of space limitations, the closure of various sections of the building to mitigate the hazard from these materials is not feasible ... By expediting the capital improvement project, remediation could be completed by December 23, 2021, with an anticipated return to in-person instruction for students on Monday, January 3, 2022," a post on the school's website said.
Students are expected to follow their normal class schedule through Schoology to "minimize disruption" and meal distribution will be located at a tent in the school parking lot on Mondays and Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. each week.
High needs special education students will be taught in an alternate location. English language learners and disabled students will continue to learn remotely.
Guidance on co-curricular activities and athletic events will be announced.