School Update 7/9/24
July 9, 2024
Dear Families, Teachers & Staff,
We want to provide an update to you about the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) matter related to the Niles Preparatory Academy campus.
We are happy to announce that ACCEL Schools has reached an agreement with the EPA and signed an administrative order of consent agreeing to actions recommended by the agency. ACCEL Schools is collaborating with the EPA to ensure the safety of students and staff, and to fully address any issues that may require repair or remediation. Our goal is to work as quickly as possible to safely re-open our campus for the upcoming school year.
As previously noted, the EPA inspection of the campus identified the possible presence of unmitigated asbestos and deteriorated paint in certain areas. Upon receiving this report, ACCEL promptly engaged expert environmental consulting firms to conduct inspections and risk assessments. ACCEL is working through the process of understanding and addressing any risks and is working closely with the EPA in this process. Specific details are set forth in the FAQ below.
In an abundance of caution and to prevent potential exposure while inspections and any necessary remediation is underway, the Niles Preparatory Academy campus is currently closed. The school plans to re-open as soon as possible to prepare for the upcoming school year and will do so with the guidance of the EPA after hazards have been confirmed not to be present.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to help ensure the highest safety standards and wellbeing for our community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Natalee Long
Superintendent
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is asbestos?
In its article “Learn About Asbestos”, the EPA states that “asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil”. The EPA additionally states that because of its fiber strength and heat resistance asbestos has been used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. Asbestos has also been used in a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.
Source: https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos#asbestos
When is asbestos hazardous?
The EPA has made clear in its Asbestos Frequently Asked Questions (“EPA FAQ”) guidance that “undamaged asbestos that is properly managed in place poses little health risk to students, teachers and other school occupants.” The EPA FAQ states that asbestos “can pose a health risk when it is disturbed and asbestos fibers become airborne where they can be inhaled.” This occurs when the asbestos is friable (meaning it can be crushed, crumbled, pulverized or turned to powder with the ordinary force of a human hand). Intact and undisturbed asbestos materials generally do not pose a health risk.
Source: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/asbestosfaqs_0.pdf
Was hazardous asbestos found at Niles Preparatory Academy?
Two non-student areas (a first floor janitors’ closet and two storage rooms to the East and West of the stage) were identified as presenting an asbestos hazard. Upon receiving this report, ACCEL Schools engaged the guidance of expert environmental consultants and will be promptly abating these two areas and following the process outlined by the EPA to safely re-open campus.
What is lead?
In its article “Learn about Lead”, the EPA states that “lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust.” The EPA additionally states that lead can be found in all parts of our environment – the air, the soil, the water, and even inside our homes (especially if built prior to 1978). Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products found in paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition and cosmetics.
Source: https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead
When is lead-based paint hazardous?
In its article “Preventing Childhood Lead Poisoning” the Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that lead paint is hazardous when lead-based “paint peels and cracks” and that “children can be exposed to lead when they swallow or breath in lead dust.” The CDC also warns that lead can be found in many places in a child’s environment including water pipes, products such as toys and jewelry, and in candies and traditional home remedies.
Was deteriorated lead-based paint found at Niles Preparatory Academy?
No deteriorated or peeling lead-based paint was found at Niles Preparatory Academy.
What steps are being taken to ensure the campus is safe?
ACCEL Schools has temporarily closed the campus, implemented strict safety protocols, and hired environmental consulting firms with expertise in asbestos and lead paint to conduct inspections and risk assessments. If/when targeted abatement and remediation is recommended, ACCEL Schools hires expert maintenance service providers to safely complete all recommended remediation projects. ACCEL Schools is working closely and cooperatively with the EPA to ensure the building will be safe before reopening.
When will the campus re-open?
Niles Preparatory Academy will re-open as soon as possible and we believe prior to the upcoming 2024-25 school year. The exact date of re-opening is uncertain at this time because it is dependent on the completion of all assessments, remediation, and the re-inspection process in coordination with the EPA.
