A public school district has reached a settlement with the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) following the discovery of asbestos and mold in a Maynard kindergarten class.
The kindergarten wing of Green Meadow Elementary School was temporarily closed in February after the asbestos and mold were found in a ceiling. The health of the kindergarten students affected by the dangerous discovery was enough to warrant a fine of $42,500 from the state.
Superintendent of Schools Robert Gerardi announced Saturday that Maynard Public Schools has reached a settlement and in lieu of paying the civil penalties originally assessed of $42,500, those funds can be used for operations and maintenance for AHERA compliance.
The settlement will not only save the school district tens of thousands of dollars, but it acknowledges that Maynard Public Schools did not specifically intend to violate any laws or regulations.
"We are engaged in a long-term plan to ensure a safe, healthy and vibrant future for the entire Green Meadow Elementary School Community," Gerardi said in a statement. "I am extremely grateful to the DLS for acknowledging the progress being made at Green Meadow and allowing us to focus our financial resources on the vital work of repairing the building."
A separate $20,000 civil penalty from DLS is still being appealed.
