Parents Concerned About Asbestos in Alabama School

October 31, 2006 - Parents of students at John Essex High School in Marengo County, Alabama are concerned that asbestos removal during the school year will affect the air quality of the building and put their children in danger.  John Essex’s principal and members of the school board insist there will be no problem. 

“The company taking care of the project is Gulf Services Contracting. They are known throughout the southeast for the quality work they do. They have actually done this type of job with people around and did it completely health safe. They monitor the air and use a purifier. They even come back to follow up on the air purity after the job is done,” said Luke Hallmark, superintendent of Marengo County schools.

Fliers went home to parents this week, informing them that the first phase of asbestos abatement would take place during the 5-day Thanksgiving break, according to an article in The Demopolis Times.  That means students, faculty, and staff will not be in the building.  There will be ample time to be sure the air is clean before the students return, said principal Loretta McCoy.  Still, parents were worried that no matter how well the affected area seemed to be sealed off, particles would still seep into other areas of the building.

“I’m glad the parents are concerned. They are well within their rights to be. I don’t blame them. They are the voice of behind this school. This school and the students here are my responsibility so I want to know the concerns of parents. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t take those concerns back to the company and Mr. Hallmark,” McCoy told the Times.