Wayland middle school cleared after asbestos air tests show zero fibers

WAYLAND -- May 8, 2024, Wayland middle school cleared of asbestos concerns after independent air testing finds zero fibers. Assistant Superintendent Susan told the School Committee on Wednesday that consultant Amir Diem's third-party lab tests came back clean after small amounts of non-friable asbestos were found in roofing debris above ceiling tiles; two of 10 debris samples had tested positive, but the material is "encased in resin" and cannot go airborne unless pulverized. Damaged tiles will be repaired this week and replaced over the summer. The meeting was the last for Ellen Grieco, on the committee since 2011, and Jeannie Downs, since 2014. Chair Christina Rodrigo and colleagues also heard year-one updates on the Bridges math curriculum and the high school's newly state-designated Innovation Career Pathways, which now enroll 166 students, about 12 percent of the school, including 35 on IEPs or 504 plans. The Finance Subcommittee is targeting a March 2026 MSBA Statement of Interest for a pre-K-8 long-range building plan, with $288,000 available for a space study.