THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 22, 1995 TAG: 9512220620
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
The discovery of asbestos fibers in a room at W.T. Cooke Elementary School has prompted officials to close the school today. Schools throughout the district begin their winter break at the end of classes today. Further investigation and testing of the building will be conducted while students are out of school.
A teacher recently discovered a white, powdery substance on top of a classroom closet, according to a letter sent home to Cooke parents. Analysis showed the powder to contain some asbestos fibers, which the school was notified of Thursdaymorning.
Students in that room were immediately evacuated to the library, school officials said. Contractors have begun sealing off the room, and an asbestos-monitoring firm was expected to begin inspection and testing of every room in the school Thursday night.
School officials expect lab results by the middle of next week and have pledged to keep parents informed. Asbestos removal work was completed at Cooke over the summer, and testing at that time indicated all asbestos had been removed. by CNB