May 10, 2016

Dear Secretary Brown:
In response to your letter, the Louisiana Department of Education Recovery School District
(“RSD”) is taking all actions necessary to comply with the Louisiana Department of
Environmental Quality’s (“LDEQ”) regulations on asbestos-containing materials in schools and
state buildings, and is further taking all actions necessary to protect the environment and
human health. The RSD acted immediately upon receiving notice on April 26, 2016 from the
LDEQ of a potential issue at Einstein Charter School ("ECS"), responding that same day, and
beginning an investigation immediately. Additionally, several meetings were held which
included representatives of the RSD, the LDEQ, contractors, and the Architect.
The RSD authorized a refurbishment project in April of 2015 at Einstein Charter School, with
significant work starting after students dismissed in May 2015. Reports from Spring 2015
indicate asbestos containing material (“ACM”) in pipe insulation and some ceiling tiles.
Subsequently, in July 2015, pipe insulation was properly abated with notice being given to LDEQ
as required by law. During and following this abatement, air monitoring and sampling was
performed by accredited personnel. The air samples collected and analyzed indicated fiber
concentrations below the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (“AHERA”) clearance reoccupancy level (report attached). As such, students were permitted to re-enter the building in
August.
Last week, upon receipt of the anonymous tip from your office that during that same time
period (late May -June 2015) ceiling tiles may have been improperly disposed of, the RSD
confirmed that the ceiling tiles were removed after students had been dismissed for the
summer. Subsequent to the time frame that the ceiling tiles may have been removed, air
samples were analyzed per the previous paragraphs. These air samples did not show hazardous
levels of asbestos. As such, we knew the building was safe for students to return in Fall 2015.
Regardless, the RSD took immediate steps to further independently test the ECS facility. That
testing began this past Saturday, and preliminary verbal results have just became
available. These preliminary verbal results indicate, as your letter states, that a total of 40
samples were taken. The expert conducting the testing verbally reported that of 15 of those
samples, 13 of them tested positive. However, there are two issues of note. First, only one of
the 13 samples tested positively for the type of asbestos found in the ceiling tiles in
question. This particular sample was found above the drop celling area on top of a pipe in the
mechanical space. Second, these findings are preliminary, and provide no indication of
whether the positive tests indicate concentrations above the Asbestos Hazard Emergency
1615 Poydras Street.Suite 400. New Orleans. LA 504.373.6200 www.rsdla.net

 Response Act ("AHERA") clearance re-occupancy level.
Further, it is important to note that the presence of asbestos on high, flat surfaces, which is
where all sampling was conducted this weekend, does not reflect actual airborne, friable
asbestos in the environment. There is no reliable information in the professional literature that
correlates surface asbestos contamination to airborne, friable asbestos fiber concentrations. In
an effort to determine air quality conditions, the RSD arranged for and is proceeding with air
monitoring beginning today, May 9, 2016. The results from the air testing are expected to be
available on or about May 11, 2016 and will immediately be made available to the LDEQ. The
RSD takes its responsibility to protect the environment and human health, very seriously, which
is why it has proceeded with arranging for the air monitoring immediately upon receipt of the
initial verbal results.
In order to ensure that no students or staff are exposed to the one area in which asbestos
corresponding to the type found in ceiling tiles was present, the RSD, in partnership with the
ECS, has already chosen to close the school for today and tomorrow until the test results are
finalized. The RSD is also committed to working on a complete remediation plan in partnership
with DEQ.
We are committed to continuing this effort to ensure the safety of our students, and will keep
your office apprised of all significant developments, as they occur.
Sincerely,

Patrick Dobard
Superintendent
Recovery School District

1615 Poydras Street.Suite 400. New Orleans. LA 504.373.6200 www.rsdla.net