DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Several teachers at Sequoyah Middle School in DeKalb County say they began experiencing health problems after returning to campus from summer break and are questioning whether asbestos abatement work completed over the summer may be connected.
One teacher told Channel 2’s Tyisha Fernandes that every time she enters the school’s main building, she experiences nausea and dizziness. Another teacher with pre-existing respiratory issues said she had to relocate to a different building because her symptoms became worse.
The concerns come as DeKalb County School District continues construction on a brand-new middle school and high school campus next door, which will eventually replace the current school buildings.
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Over the summer, district officials completed asbestos abatement work at Sequoyah Middle School’s main building. When staff returned on Aug. 3, some teachers said they quickly began feeling ill.
Teachers shared photos with Channel 2 Action News showing a black material they believe may be linked to the issues. Several staff members contend the material appeared after the work was completed.
One teacher filed a complaint with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, outlining a range of symptoms she says she experienced after returning to work.
“Since returning to the building, I have experienced brain fog, dizziness, nasal congestion, coughing and unsteadiness while at work,” the teacher wrote in the complaint. “I am concerned about whether the proper procedures were followed after the asbestos abatement.”
The teacher later received a response from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
According to that email, an official spoke with the asbestos abatement contractor, who indicated there was confusion about the material in question and requested an inspection of the site.
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“There is some confusion about this material and he is requesting an inspection of the site,” the email stated. “Seems his company did not perform the application of the sealant.”
Channel 2 Action News asked the DeKalb County School District about the teachers’ concerns and whether parents or staff were notified about the asbestos abatement work before students and employees returned to campus.
A district spokesperson said the school system is preparing a more detailed response to questions about the situation. However, the spokesperson said the district received a clearance letter after the asbestos abatement work was completed and before the first day of school.
Channel 2 Action News is continuing to investigate and is working to determine whether parents and staff were notified about the work and the clearance process before the start of the school year.
The school district shared a copy of the letter Principal Lauren Pells sent home to families on Wednesday.
Dear Sequoyah MS Staff and Families,
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We are committed to ensuring that our schools provide safe, healthy, and welcoming learning and working environments. We want to provide an update regarding our school building.
As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining safe school facilities during our construction, asbestos abatement was performed in the area this summer. Following completion of the work, the area underwent required clearance testing, and we received a clearance letter from a third-party environmental company prior to the start of the school year confirming that the area was cleared for occupancy.
We understand that questions about building conditions can be concerning, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide this information and reassure our school community that the appropriate abatement and clearance processes were completed before students and staff occupied the space.
We are also continuing to address areas with leaks and custodial staffing needs at the school. The school is currently operating with six fewer custodians than its full staffing level. We are actively bringing in additional custodial staff , starting tonight, and support to help maintain appropriate cleanliness and upkeep throughout the building.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us maintain a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for our students and staff. We will continue to communicate important updates with our school community and remain committed to addressing facility and operational needs promptly.
Lauren Pells, Principal
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