Carl Sandburg Middle School parents and guardians,
We are writing to inform you of upcoming asbestos abatement work at Carl Sandburg Middle School (CSMS) as part of our Theater/Gymnasium upgrade and our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and fully compliant learning environment for all students and staff.
During the initial phase of work on the gymnasium floor, asbestos-containing mastic was discovered beneath a layer of cement. It appears that a previous flooring layer had been removed, and the mastic was encapsulated under cement—a cost-saving method commonly used in the 1980s and 1990s to avoid full abatement.
The areas impacted are not currently being used by students or staff, as they have already been cleared for construction. These areas include the Gymnasium, Foyer, Front Hallway and a small office space.
Abatement work may begin as early as May 15 and is expected to take approximately 10 days.
All abatement work will be conducted by Illinois Department of Public Health-licensed professionals and will fully comply with all local, state, and federal safety regulations. The posting on this link serves as the required compliance notice. The process will be closely monitored to ensure strict adherence to all safety protocols, including:
- Sealing and containing work areas
- Placement under negative air pressure
- Continuous air quality monitoring before, during, and after the project
- Thorough clearance testing prior to re-occupancy
Access to these areas will not be permitted for staff or students until all asbestos-containing materials have been removed and air quality tests confirm the areas are safe for use.
We want to emphasize that there is no risk to students or staff. All affected spaces will be securely contained and clearly marked, and regular school operations in unaffected areas will continue without disruption.
The abatement will be performed by Valor Technologies, Inc., and overseen by TEM Environmental, Inc.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact District 75 Director of Facilities Dave Zaremba at dzaremba@d75.org or 847-420-0664.
Thank you for your continued trust and support as we take these proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our school community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Andrew Vondran
Principal, Carl Sandburg Middle School