Though construction will continue at St. Lawrence Central Schools for its on-going capital project, Superintendent Stephan J. Vigliotti, Sr., assures parents that the new school year will start, as planned, on Thursday. Remnants of the construction and renovation will be present at the middle and high school as students return to class.
The comprehensive capital project at St. Lawrence Central School includes converting the district to natural gas from heating oil, and hot water from steam. Updating the heating and cooling system will save the school district significant money in the future. For the first day of school, the new natural gas system will not be operational.
Ceiling tiles throughout the school district have been systematically removed in order for construction crews to have access to the heating and cooling systems in the ceiling. Some of the ceiling tiles in the school hallways will remain open on Thursday. According to Vigliotti, all of the classrooms have been updated and most of the ceiling tiles have been replaced.
Work in the elementary school also continues with asbestos abatement in the basement. Asbestos is a highly toxic, naturally-occurring mineral widely used as a base for many building products. Most commonly used as an insulating agent, often produced into insulation for pipes, heating and cooling systems, and boilers. Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that can affect the protective tissue surrounding the lungs, stomach or heart.
Due to its toxicity, it is recommended that handling asbestos – especially for abatement purposes – is left to licensed contractors. Even a small amount of asbestos particles accidentally released into the air can cause widespread pollution and air quality issues.
As the first day of school approaches, Vigliotti is pleased with the overall progress of the capital projects. Despite the large scope of the work – including expenses associated with safely removing lead and asbestos – there remains $20,000 left in the budget to complete the work. Vigliotti is confident that the project will be completed without having to “cut anything.”