Director of Maintenance/Buildings and Grounds William Brackett told the operations committee Feb. 10 there is another problem with the Salisbury High School old gym floor after performing a test cut.

On Jan. 8, the sprinkler system at the high school froze and burst by the old gym and there was a half foot of water in the vestibule area when the fire department arrived. SERVPRO was onsite and the maintenance department did indoor air quality testing to make sure there were no problems. At that time, Brackett said the old gym floor was damaged and the floor needed to be replaced.

Brackett said personnel did a side cut of the gym floor which is comprised of a wood floor, WonderBoard (masonite), plastic moisture barrier and concrete and 4 percent asbestos was found between the plastic moisture board and concrete.

Brackett presented three options to the committee for their consideration.

Option one is to leave the floor in place undisturbed with the doors closed and locked until the completion of the school year. Brackett said this option leads to the potential of mold and mildew and it could potentially be more expensive to repair. Currently, the district is working with the insurance company and it will be handled as an emergency if completed now. Six months later it will not be an emergency. The district would have a usable floor by late July with this option.

Option two is to remove the entire floor along with all asbestos containing material immediately. Brackett said the project would be completed in two weeks and this option would eliminate any mold and/or mildew. The project would be handled as an emergency removal circumventing bid procedures. The asbestos removal can legally be completed while the building is occupied as the gym would be sealed off. The new floor would be ready for use by the end of April.

Option three would be to remove all wood and masonite material immediately and peform the asbestos removal after the completion of school year. Removal of the flooring would take approximately one week and would be completed during normal hours. Brackett said this option would greatly reduce the potential of mold and mildew; however, it would cost approximately $33,000.

This option would also allow for the building to be 100 percent unoccupied during asbestos removal. The removal of the wood and masonite would have to be done by hand to ensure the asbestos would not be disturbed. There would be a chance for the sleepers or posts to come out which would then expose the asbestos. Board member Tom Mantz said this option sounded "risky."

Board member Sam DeFrank asked if air samples would be taken before, after and during the asbestos removal.

Brackett said samples are taken every day and the contractors build a tent in the room which is sealed off while the work is completed. The entrance to the old gym would be closed off and all gym classes would be moved to the new gym potentially.

Board members received estimates of $150,000 to remove and replace the existing floor which is hard to find and $130,000 to remove and replace with a new flooring. The rubberized flooring being considered is estimated to be between $160,000 and $170,000. Brackett said the rubberized floor can handle more abuse and moisture than a wood floor. It is more durable, requires less maintenance and cleaning and would not need to be resurfaced. He said it can be used for varsity basketball if needed.

Asbestos removal is estimated to be $20,000.

Brackett said he has questions out to the insurance company for coverage and reimbursement.

Superintendent Michael Roth said from an administrative perspective, they would like the floor completed now.

Board members were assured federal standards are followed with asbestos removal and it is safe to do this while students and staff are in the buidling. The high school gym would be completely sealed off, signs would be posted and the removal team would be in appropriate suits. Brackett said the air handling system is contained for the gym.

Board member George Gatanis said mold and mildew are a bigger risk than asbestos.

Roth said SHS parents would be notified via the website and mailings as to the start of the project.

Board member Sam DeFrank said he believed the asbestos should be removed now. "My kid attends Salisbury High School. I wouldn't put him in harm's way." Board member Frank Frankenfield agreed as he has a student in the high school as well.

All board members voted for option two. Board President Russell Giordano was not in attendance.