SMS asbestos tests come back clean

SANDPOINT — After testing for possible discovery of asbestos at Sandpoint Middle School, the building is safe for occupancy, Lake Pend Oreille School District officials said.

“We have received the SMS lab test report, along with air samples taken at the school today,” LPOSD Superintendent Dr. Becky Meyer said Monday. “We are happy to report that the building is safe for occupancy. The samples indicate clear air circulation at SMS.”

After potential discovery last Tuesday, officials closed off an entire side of the middle school, notified families of schedule changes, and requested expedited test results. On Monday, Feb. 19, Meyer sent out a notice saying that independent lab testing results were returned indicating that active school operations may resume.

“The inspection found one tested piping insulation material was proven to be regulated for asbestos-content (regulated-ACM) and other tested suspect piping insulation materials were proven asbestos-free by laboratory analysis,” she said. “The regulated-ACM was found to be intact and enclosed above the hard-lid ceilings in the inner hallway system, with no exposure or direct access to students and staff.”

After adjusting schedules last week to accommodate the discovery, normal, in-person schedules for SMS and Sandpoint High School resumed Tuesday. 

“I know this process has been inconvenient and interrupted vital student learning time, but I appreciate your patience as we ensured a safe learning environment for all students,” Meyer said.