Markham Colocation Update

Dear Markham community,

Last week, we shared that our facilities team is exploring the possibility of installing portable classrooms on the Hayhurst campus to accommodate Markham students and staff. The team has determined that Hayhurst has the space and power supply needed for two units, or four total classrooms. Those units are now on-order. We are still finalizing a timeline for installation and will share that information in a future letter.

Abatement update

This week, crews continue to make progress in removing and abating asbestos at the Markham school building.

As we’ve mentioned in a previous communication and in last month’s community meeting, asbestos removal is a multi-step process. It involves a protracted drying out phase, debris removal, and asbestos and moisture surveys. There is also a containment period in which the hazardous material is captured. This work is always painstaking and incremental, but in the case of Markham, facilities staff continue to uncover more areas requiring abatement and repair.

One such area is the heating system under the floor. Facilities staff have discovered several leaks in the subfloor piping. The heating system in this school is very complex and, because of space constraints and the amount of asbestos pipe insulation, the testing and repairs have been difficult. Staff are currently working to determine the source of the leaks and come up with a long-term solution to the problem.

Future communication schedule

We’ve tried to use these weekly communications as an opportunity to pass along meaningful updates about progress of repairs at the Markham school building and to inform you of any changes happening at the four schools currently colocating with Markham students and staff. We have heard from many of you that you would prefer we limit our messages to when we have new and substantive information to share. Going forward, we will reach out when that is the case. You should hear from us again right around spring break.

As always, thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jon Franco, Chief of Schools

Dan Jung, Director of Operations