Roxbury Elementary Relocates to Parkside Church Over Asbestos
Roxbury Elementary students will not return to their school building for the foreseeable future after new testing confirmed the presence of asbestos in part of the facility. Classes are now set to resume Monday, September 15, at Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls, according to Solon City Schools.
The district reported that a certified asbestos hazard evaluation specialist collected samples, which were then analyzed by a nationally recognized laboratory using EPA-approved methods.
While dust and debris samples from the school tested negative, asbestos was detected in an existing roof drain, and an air sample from a hallway showed measurable levels requiring further evaluation.
“Based on these findings, we are isolating the affected area and testing the remainder of the building spaces,” said Tamara Strom, director of communications, in a message to families.
She added that the environmental team is developing a multi-step remediation plan, and students and staff will not return to Roxbury for an extended but undetermined period of time.
Parkside Church has opened its school wing to host most of the Roxbury community under one roof, allowing continuity for students and teachers.
Two classes will instead attend school at the district’s Regano Early Learning Center. Preparations are underway, with staff touring Parkside, and maintenance and technology teams relocating equipment and materials.
The district will provide families with details on bus routes, food service, recess, and logistics for the temporary transition.
This move follows a week of conflicting asbestos test results that initially led to the school’s closure on September 6. While one classroom first showed elevated levels, subsequent testing came back negative, prompting the district to bring in independent consultants and a third-party lab to resolve the discrepancies.
The situation underscores the child’s right to a safe and healthy environment, as recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms that children are entitled to a school environment that ensures their health and well-being.
