Frankford High School will be closed for the rest of the school year due to asbestos damage, including on the ground floor, where the cafeteria spaces are located.
These areas of concern – mostly above ceiling tiles and on top of ductwork – were identified when the School District of Philadelphia accelerated the scheduling of the routine three-year Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act inspection after the identification of plaster that contains asbestos.
The students learned virtually this week, and the school district will work in partnership with school leadership, teachers, parents and the community to try to identify viable alternative space for students and staff. The school is prioritizing identifying viable space for students who require special assistance.
Jerry Jordan, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, said the school district made the right move for student and staff safety. He worries, though, about students and staff being exposed to asbestos.
Jordan is demanding the state increase funding for the school district.
“I look forward to the day when we no longer have to fight for the most basic of needs for our young people – a majority of whom are black and brown. Because let’s be very clear: Toxic schools would never, ever be tolerated in a wealthier, whiter school district. Our fight continues,” he said.
