Fall River Public Schools Taking Action to Improve Conditions at Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency Preparatory Academy in Response to State Report

FALL RIVER — Superintendent Tracy Curley reports that Fall River Public Schools has been in communication with State agencies, including the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards, and the District is implementing an action that includes immediate corrective steps aimed at improving construction operations, including signage and record keeping, at the Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency  Preparatory Academy.

Earlier this month, the Department of Labor Standards (DLS) inspected the Academy in response to a community complaint regarding dust, noise and asbestos concerns related to a window renovation project.

As a result of the inspection, DLS issued a citation to the District regarding noncompliance with Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requirements. The majority of the issues cited by DLS surround recordkeeping, window signage and training, however DLS also found issues with poly sheeting in a third-floor hallway and loose caulking in the cafeteria.

The District takes this report very seriously, and the District takes any concerns or complaints about building health and safety with equal deference. 

“The Fall River Public Schools has a mandate to ensure that we offer healthy and safe learning environments for our students and healthy and safe working environments for our faculty and staff,” Superintendent Curley said. “We will be taking steps to address the AHERA requirements  immediately, and, with the support of a licensed site professional, we have already taken steps to resolve many of the concerns raised, including signage and recordkeeping.”

It is also noted that, while the aging building is known to have asbestos, like virtually all large buildings of a certain age, at no point did the DLS report indicate that any students or staff were exposed to asbestos or any other hazardous substance. 

As part of the DLS process, the District can be assessed a financial penalty, but state regulations allow the School District and DLS to work together to apply 100% of potentially assessed penalties directly to repair and remediation work instead of to the state in the form of a fine.

Given this opportunity, Fall River Public Schools will dedicate just over $81,000 to this effort, including new signage, training for staff and workers on safety in buildings known to contain asbestos, environmental consulting, and, notably, asbestos hazard abatement, to directly block, encapsulate or remove some existing asbestos from the building.

All corrective actions must be completed by Oct. 13, with written confirmation submitted to DLS. Fall River Public Schools have already begun working on corrective measures, and the District will work with licensed environmental consultants to update management plans, improve signage, provide staff training and verify compliance not just at the R.L.M. Resiliency Preparatory, but at all schools in the District.

“This isn’t about simply taking corrective action in one building. We are examining plans, signage, and training across sites districtwide.” Superintendent Curley said. 

Additionally, Superintendent Curley has implemented a communications plan. Moving forward, all families, staff and union representatives will receive an annual written notification of districtwide asbestos management plans. Copies of those plans will also be available in both the school office and the District administrative office. 

“The health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. We take these findings seriously and are committed to resolving every corrective action on the timeline set by the Department of Labor Standards,” said Superintendent Curley. “I will also be taking action to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again and that all construction operations are done in a safe manner that is prescribed for the age and condition of our buildings.

“I believe very strongly in the quality of instruction and programming offered in our Fall River Public Schools, and as leaders it is our responsibility to ensure that staff and students have a safe environment in which to work and learn.”