Two Boone County schools containing asbestos are starting the removal process this summer.
Kim Best, assistant superintendent of operations, said the older tile floors in Boone County High School and R.A. Jones Middle School contain asbestos and are being removed between academic years when students will be out of the buildings.
The Boone County Schools Board of Education voted in the March and April board meetings to approve bids for abatements at the middle and high school. The items were listed in the consent agenda.
Best said the tile is sealed, so there is no danger to any students or staff working in the classrooms that will be treated.
Dan Razor, director of operations, said asbestos abatements for schools built before the 1990s are common. He added that the abatement for R.A. Jones Middle School is “relatively small.”
The bid for the abatement was awarded to ACM Construction for $3,900. Environmental Demolition Group was approved to complete the high school’s abatement for $60,720. Best said it was the “back hallway” of the high school and around 16 classrooms being treated at Boone County High.
Razor said Kentucky requires companies specifically licensed for asbestos abatement. Air Source Technology, a Lexington-based company, assisted the district with the bid process and will also manage the air quality testing process required before and after the abatement.
Best said the abatement at both schools will be completed in 2023-24 school year.