DOJ investigation into Philadelphia schools’ asbestos management forces officials to respond in court.

A comprehensive investigation into the Philadelphia School District’s adherence to federal asbestos regulations has entered a critical phase, as the local school board prepares to approve a deferred prosecution agreement aimed at avoiding criminal charges. This probe, which has been ongoing for five years, only recently came to public attention, underscoring potential legal repercussions if the district fails to comply with court mandates in the coming years.

The investigation, initiated in July 2020, was prompted by a subpoena from the Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking records related to asbestos maintenance across the district’s approximately 300 facilities. Federal investigators scrutinized the district’s compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response (AHERA) law, which mandates that any school with asbestos undergo inspections biannually and full inspections every three years. The district had fallen significantly behind on its required assessments, at one point leading to the temporary closure of multiple schools due to hazardous conditions.

In a statement regarding the investigation, officials asserted that the district has since rectified its compliance issues and committed to ongoing inspections every six months. Under the terms of the forthcoming agreement, the district is also expected to receive training aimed at improving asbestos management for staff working in schools.

Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. acknowledged the district’s past shortcomings in managing asbestos concerns, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining updated environmental practices and securing financial resources needed to ensure compliance. The district’s spending on environmental management has reportedly increased dramatically, rising from .2 million during the 2020-21 school year to a projected .7 million in the current year.

The school board, led by President Reginald Streater, expressed confidence in the district’s capacity to fulfill the terms of the agreement without further repercussions. However, he cautioned that fiscal constraints could impact the effectiveness of future efforts.

In addition to enhancing compliance measures, the district plans to increase transparency by publicly disclosing detailed inspection results for each school building. This move aims to inform parents and staff about the locations and conditions of asbestos in their schools, an initiative welcomed by community stakeholders.

Despite ongoing difficulties, including several closures attributed to disturbed asbestos, the district is making strides to improve its environmental management practices. Looking ahead, officials remain hopeful that increased funding and commitment to compliance will help restore confidence in the safety of Philadelphia’s schools.