Philadelphia’s school asbestos problem is already derailing back-to-school
After a $17 million HVAC renovation and nearly two years of construction, Kensington High students and staff were hoping this school year would get off to a smooth start . Instead, they were hit with a familiar Philly school problem : asbestos, a toxic substance that can cause breathing problems…
Philadelphia's school district is grappling with a long-standing asbestos problem that threatens to disrupt the upcoming school year. After a $17 million HVAC renovation at Kensington High School, students and staff were met with another familiar issue: asbestos. A recent asbestos inspection revealed concerns about the demolition of the old HVAC system, leading the district to relocate all students and staff to Austin Meehan Middle School for the remainder of the 2026 school year.
Kensington High is just one of many century-old district buildings that require constant asbestos monitoring and remediation. While the district has pledged to improve asbestos monitoring and remediation efforts, asbestos remains a persistent issue, with the district facing criticism for not doing enough to ensure student and staff safety.
Last year, the Department of Justice charged the district for failing to conduct proper asbestos monitoring between 2015 and 2023, requiring the district to inspect buildings every six months and repair damage regularly.
The district has not disclosed the specifics of how the asbestos at Kensington High was damaged or the oversight in place during the renovation. However, union officials have inspected the building and found that the asbestos removal contractor did not follow best practices, potentially contaminating several areas of the school.
The district plans to transport all Kensington students to the unoccupied Austin Meehan Middle School and transition lab spaces for specific programs. They have also committed to creating a school safety plan to address the asbestos issue and other concerns.
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