The West Haven High School building committee, along with all boards and commissions in the City of West Haven, recognizes the importance of being transparent and providing information when it is requested in a timely manner.
For the Building Committee’s part, we hold regular monthly meetings that we publicize a year in advance, our agenda is posted with the City Clerk’s office, and our minutes filed upon completion and in accordance with the law.
In addition, we have always answered questions from the public when requested to do so. The new West Haven High School Building Project is 20% complete, and has been nothing but a huge success. The management team has done a spectacular job keeping this project safe, under budget, and on schedule.
This open letter in in response to concerns that are being raised again by a mother of two high school students, Christine Barrington, about the management of the High School Renovation Project, and the high school in general.
Mrs. Barrington, a layman when it comes to projects of this nature, does not understand the process and has been making wild and inaccurate claims over the past two years. Thousands of dollars are included in the budget that allow for safely remediating and disposing of hazardous materials. We now realize that no matter how many times experts in the field of construction, asbestos monitoring, and abatement explain the process and law; she continues to claim she knows more than they do.
This project, from the very beginning has put the safety of all first and foremost. All industry standards have been followed, and those State agencies charged with overseeing the demolition and construction of the new building including the Department of Health, have approved plans prior to any work taking place and monitored the implementation.
Here is what the entire community should know about the renovation project taking place on the West Haven High School campus:
~~ Hundreds of air samples have been taken throughout the course of the project, and all have concluded the building is safe for occupancy.
~~ Prior to the opening of school in the late summer of 2016, new security cameras were installed. Once concerns were raised, state agencies as well as local officials investigated the matter, and the building was deemed safe.
~~ All custodial staff are trained according to laws and standards when it comes to cleaning and following remediation protocols.
~~ Expert licensed asbestos professionals test according to DEP and EPA regulations.
In addition, more asbestos testing has been done than that of which is required, and in each case, all samples have come back negative. The bottom line is that there is no dangerous asbestos situation at West Haven High School and my niece and nephew, all other students, staff, and visitors are safe.
Ken Carney
Chairman, WHHS Building Committee