March 8, 2023
 
Dear Parents, Students, Teachers, Building Occupants, and Employee Organizations:
 
In the past, asbestos was used extensively in building materials because of its insulating, sound absorbing, and fire retarding capabilities. Virtually any building constructed before the late 1970s contained some asbestos. Intact and undisturbed asbestos materials generally do not pose a health risk. Asbestos materials, however, can become hazardous when, due to damage or deterioration over time, they release fibers. If the fibers are inhaled, they can lead to health problems, such as cancer and asbestosis.
 
In 1986, Congress passed the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) which requires schools to be inspected to identify any asbestos containing building materials.  Suspected asbestos-containing building materials were located, sampled (or assumed) and rated according to condition and potential hazard.  Every three years, Swansea Public Schools conducts a reinspection to determine whether the condition of the known or assumed asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) has changed and to make recommendations on managing or removing the ACBM. The last reinspection for Swansea Public Schools was conducted on February 24, 2023 and the resulting Management Plans detail the inspection findings, and outlines the response actions the school district intends to implement. 

To accomplish these goals, the school district now has on file at each school the approved Asbestos Management Plan for the school facility.  The provisions of the plan are being implemented in a timely and on-going fashion.  It is the school district’s desire to provide a safe and healthy facility for all students, employees and visitors.

The purpose of this letter is to satisfy the requirements of AHERA for written notice of the availability of the management Plan for review.  Should you desire, please contact the Local Education Authority (LEA) for further details.