Philadelphia, October 1, 2019 – Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) issued the following statement on the closings of Ben Franklin High School and Science Leadership Academy following the discovery of asbestos fibers in the school building last week.
“I have expressed my deep concern for the safety, health and well-being of every student, teacher and staff member in the Ben Franklin – SLA building to Superintendent Hite, who has assured me that every available effort is being taken to ensure a safe environment, and the building was closed for several days for additional testing out of an abundance of caution.”
“The issues at Ben Franklin and SLA raise a broader concern – the health and welfare of every student, teacher and employee in each of our school buildings. In light of ongoing concerns about hazardous materials in our older school buildings, we need a longer-term, transparent strategy in place for addressing these kinds of health questions. I have expressed that concern to Dr. Hite, and Council looks forward to reviewing that strategy.”
Photo: School District of Philadelphia
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