Reopening of Frankford High School After Asbestos

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News Summary

Frankford High School in Philadelphia reopens its doors after a closure of over two years due to severe asbestos concerns. The school invested nearly $30 million in renovations to ensure safety for its students and staff. With a history of asbestos management challenges in the district, the reopening symbolizes a significant milestone for the community as students return to normalcy. The school now emphasizes ongoing safety with improved inspection protocols following legal actions against the district.

Philadelphia School Reopens After Asbestos Nightmare

Frankford High School in Philadelphia is finally welcoming its students back after a prolonged closure of over two years due to serious asbestos concerns. The school building, steeped in over a century of history, had been closed since April 2023, preventing thousands of students, teachers, and staff from entering its walls. Throughout that time, three senior classes graduated, while the current senior cohort endured two years of disrupted education, learning virtually or in other school buildings.

A $30 Million Investment in Safety

Before reopening its doors for the 2025-2026 school year, Frankford High underwent extensive renovations totaling nearly $30 million. This hefty investment was essential for addressing the hidden dangers posed by asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral notorious for its health risks, including mesothelioma—an aggressive cancer affecting the lining of lungs, abdomen, or heart. Exposure to asbestos fibers, which can easily become airborne, poses risks for anyone in proximity, making the school closure imperative.

A History of Asbestos in Schools

The issue of asbestos is not isolated to Frankford High. The Philadelphia School District has faced scrutiny over its management of hazardous materials. In fact, at least a dozen schools in the district have previously shut down due to visible asbestos, and about 300 school buildings require regular inspections to ensure safety. This widespread issue reflects a national concern regarding asbestos exposure, especially within the educational environment, where safety protocols are critical for protecting student health.

Legal Repercussions and Accountability

In a shocking development, the U.S. Department of Justice leveled criminal charges against the Philadelphia School District for neglecting proper asbestos inspections. Following these charges, the district committed to conducting biannual inspections of at-risk schools, a step towards ensuring the safety of students and staff alike.

The Road to Reopening

The reopening of Frankford High School is not just a win for the students but a relief for the community. After a long and challenging closure, the school’s faculty returned two weeks earlier than the students, preparing for the highly anticipated first day of classes on August 25, 2025. Now enrolling approximately 1,000 students, the school’s atmosphere is buzzing with excitement and apprehension, as everyone is eager to return to normalcy.

Closing the Chapter on Asbestos

The extensive renovations undertaken at Frankford High included the complete removal or secure containment of asbestos materials, a process deemed safer than total removal in many cases. During a blue ribbon cutting ceremony on August 18, 2025, staff celebrated the culmination of the project’s efforts, eager to revitalize the school environment and ensure safety for all who enter. Principal Mike Calderone expressed a sense of relief following the uncertainties faced during the closure period, marking this reopening as a significant milestone for both the school and the students.

Public Health Implications and Future Risks

As Frankford High resumes operations, the challenges surrounding asbestos management highlight an urgent need for continuous public health vigilance. Many schools across the United States still grapple with the pervasive issue of asbestos exposure, necessitating strict safety measures and ongoing maintenance to protect students and staff from potential health risks. This situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding educational spaces and keeping those who occupy them safe from hazards that linger long after the construction era has ended.