Williamsport High School Online Classes Due to Asbestos

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News Summary

Williamsport High School in Maryland will shift to fully virtual classes after asbestos fibers were discovered in the building. This decision impacts over 900 students as officials prioritize health and safety, closing the school indefinitely. With the start of the school year approaching on August 25, 2025, alternative locations for special education are being sought, while online classes are set to begin. Plans for fall sports and school activities continue despite the closure, but uncertainty looms for students and families as the cleanup process unfolds.

Asbestos Scare Forces Williamsport High School to Go Fully Virtual

Students at Williamsport High School (WHS) in Maryland are facing a rocky start to the upcoming school year, as the discovery of asbestos fibers in the building has led to a transition to online classes. The first day of school is set for August 25, 2025, but many may not walk through the school’s halls for quite some time.

Closure Uncertainty

The online learning initiative comes as a precautionary measure as officials aim to clean the area affected by asbestos exposure. This process might extend through the first two marking periods, which end on January 16, 2026. With over 900 students set to shift to remote learning, Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) officials admit they have yet to find a viable alternative location for in-person instruction.

This predicament is particularly challenging for special education students and multilingual learners, as there are ongoing attempts to find a suitable site for these individuals. Meanwhile, online classes are scheduled to commence as planned, though the uncertainty looms large over all students and their families.

The Asbestos Discovery

Asbestos fibers were unearthed following recent construction that began around June 7, 2025. An independent environmental safety expert conducted routine testing and uncovered asbestos fibers in both the upper and lower levels of the school, significantly raising concerns. Although the testing took place inside and outside a sealed area intended for mitigation, the results revealed a more pervasive problem.

In light of these findings, the school has been closed, and nearly all construction work has been halted indefinitely. The WCPS is not taking this lightly; the district is actively collaborating with the Maryland Department of the Environment, Maryland Occupational Safety and Health, and the Washington County Health Department to ensure all safety protocols are meticulously followed.

The Risks of Asbestos Exposure

For the uninitiated, it’s important to understand the dangers posed by asbestos—a class of minerals known for their strong, heat, and fire-resistant fibers. Exposure to asbestos is notorious for increasing the risks of severe health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Therefore, the ongoing clean-up process is crucial for safeguarding the health of students and faculty alike.

School Activities and Local Adjustments

Despite the school’s closure, plans continue for fall sports practices to begin on August 13, 2025. Fortunately, these practices won’t require access to the school building, and coaches are prepared to communicate essential details to athletes and their families. Outdoor fall sports will proceed at the school stadium, while alternative locations are being explored for volleyball games.

The school system is also keen on preserving the school spirit. Homecoming activities will still occur, though the exact location details will be announced later. Additionally, a Back-to-School Night is scheduled to be held at the school stadium, and band camp is currently underway but with alternative arrangements established for indoor activities.

Prioritizing Health and Safety

While the decision to proceed with virtual learning may disappoint many within the community, WCPS is placing the health and safety of students and staff as its top priority. Acknowledging the concerns surrounding this transition, the system is committed to providing long-term academic support and engagement through extracurricular activities during this period of disruption.

As the Williamsport High School community prepares to face this unexpected challenge, the focus remains firmly on ensuring a safe return to learning once the asbestos issue has been fully resolved. Until then, students and teachers will connect virtually as they navigate this unusual start to the academic year.