DOJ delays proceeding with agreement on federal investigation into asbestos management in Philadelphia schools.

In a surprising turn of events, the Philadelphia school board has refrained from finalizing an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding its ongoing investigation into the district’s asbestos management practices. Initially, a resolution was expected to be voted on during a board meeting scheduled for Thursday, but the board president, Reginald Streater, announced shortly after the meeting commenced that no vote would take place due to the Justice Department’s request for additional review.

This decision comes amidst mounting scrutiny of the district’s handling of environmental safety issues, particularly concerning the presence of asbestos—a known health risk that remains in many of the district’s school buildings. It has been reported that federal officials are conducting an investigation into how the Philadelphia school system has managed asbestos within its facilities. The potential implications of this situation are significant, given the district’s historical challenges with environmental concerns.

The federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response (AHERA) law mandates that any school building with asbestos must undergo inspections every six months, with all buildings subjected to thorough evaluations at least every three years. Philadelphia schools have faced criticism for falling behind in this requirement; it was only in 2023 that district officials publicly acknowledged their failure to comply with these federal mandates. They cited a lack of resources and staffing as significant obstacles to timely inspections, estimating that full compliance could take as long as three years.

In the past few years, several school buildings have been temporarily shut down due to hazardous asbestos conditions. Reports indicate that the majority of district facilities contain asbestos, particularly in older materials such as floor tiles, pipe insulation, and paint. Although undisturbed asbestos does not pose an immediate risk, it becomes dangerous when damaged, releasing toxic fibers linked to serious health issues, including mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.

The Philadelphia school district has committed to increasing its spending on asbestos management and has worked to boost the number of personnel managing environmental safety programs. Despite this commitment, critics assert that transparency regarding environmental issues remains insufficient.

Recent closures due to the district’s improved environmental protocols highlight ongoing challenges, such as improper recordkeeping that misidentified hazardous materials as safe for extended periods. One notable case is Frankford High, which has been closed due to extensive asbestos damage, with repair costs projected at million. Officials have stated that the building may not reopen until the 2025-26 school year.

While efforts are underway to address these pressing safety concerns, the district continues to face scrutiny over its management practices and the long-term implications for both students and staff. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders await further developments and clarity on the district’s compliance with federal regulations concerning asbestos management.