Classroom blocked off after minor asbestos scare at Heyworth school

- Officials have cordoned off a classroom at Heyworth Junior-Senior High School after some ceiling plaster containing asbestos collapsed earlier this week.

Parents were notified of Wednesday’s incident with a letter from principal Jeff Asmus and also through the district’s telephone notification system, called SchoolReach.

The closed classroom houses a junior high science lab in the 1960 portion of the school. The discovery was made around 7:35 a.m., before students typically arrive for the day.

“We took the precautionary step to close off access to the entire junior high,” Asmus said. “We contacted our asbestos management company and they arrived within an hour to assess the damage.”

Officials believe a water leak caused the deterioration of the plaster. Asmus reported that air-quality test results are clear, and approval had been received to re-occupy the junior high wing.

Superintendent Randy Merker said the district took the measure to ensure safety of students and staff.

“The area involved was a fairly minor area, maybe 2 feet by 2 feet, but you never take chances with asbestos,” Merker said.

The science lab remained closed, with junior high science students sharing the high school lab, which is in a separate area of the school.

Merker said removal of the damaged ceiling is expected to begin Oct. 13 and be completed later that week. School maintenance staff is working to identify the source of the leak and will complete repairs once asbestos abatement has been completed.

Asmus said in the letter that under normal conditions, the ceiling plaster containing asbestos do not present health problems.