Kevin Sweet, Town Administrator
Municipal Building
195 Main St.
Maynard, MA 01754
For Immediate Release
Friday, Jan. 20, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net
Maynard Officials to Remediate Sections of Green Meadow Elementary School After Lead Paint Concerns
MAYNARD — Town Administrator Kevin Sweet and Superintendent of Schools Robert Gerardi report that the Town of Maynard and Maynard Public Schools have initiated a plan for the remediation of areas with lead paint at the Green Meadow Elementary School after concerns were brought to the administration.
The Green Meadow School was built in 1955, when lead-based paint was used in nearly all buildings, and additions were built in 1974 and 1988. In the past, Maynard Public Schools have tested other areas of the building for accreditation requirements and did not find lead paint in those sections.
Shortly before the holiday break, a parent raised a concern about peeling paint on an exterior section of the original 1955 school building. The principal immediately notified the superintendent’s office and town administration. The town immediately took action, including a clean-up of the affected area and lead paint testing and inspections throughout the building. It was found that the kindergarten classes, the high windows in the cafeteria, and the front lobby areas have some lead paint on the exterior and interior of the building.
This was to be expected, given the age of the building, however conditions of the painted areas warrant action, out of an abundance of caution and with the best interests of the students, faculty, and staff in mind.
Town officials have been working with consultants to create the action plan and implement next steps, which include encapsulating any areas that are accessible to children and remediation of the affected areas.
Officials from the town, the school department and the Maynard Board of Health do not believe that there is any danger to the community, and all actions are being taken with guidance from school, town, and public health officials.
“The health and safety of our students is paramount,” Superintendent Gerardi said. “While any trace of lead paint, even on the outside of a school building, is concerning, I am pleased that a plan is in place to ensure its safe remediation.”
Superintendent Gerardi would also like to praise the parent who came forward to report the peeling paint.
“We are very grateful that someone saw this and reported it to administration as soon as possible,” he said. “As a result, we have a plan in place to permanently and effectively remediate any remaining lead paint to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff.”
If anyone has any questions or concerns, they may call the Superintendent’s office at 978-897-2222. The Superintendent and Town Administrator will send out updates on their news blogs as more information becomes available.
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