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Asbestos delays students’ return to Feltonville school

On Friday, officials determined that damaged insulation in the school’s boiler room represents an imminent hazard and must be closed off and abated, effectively cutting off the school’s heat.

Ten Philadelphia School District buildings have been closed so far this school year because of asbestos. Officials announced Friday night that the closure of Barton Elementary has been extended, with students reporting to Martin Luther King High School on Wednesday.
Ten Philadelphia School District buildings have been closed so far this school year because of asbestos. Officials announced Friday night that the closure of Barton Elementary has been extended, with students reporting to Martin Luther King High School on Wednesday.Read moreBOB LARAMIE / Daily News

The asbestos-related closure of a Feltonville elementary school will be extended into next week.

Philadelphia School District officials said Friday night that Barton Elementary, 4600 Rosehill St., will be closed on Tuesday and beyond. Students will report to Martin Luther King High School on Stenton Avenue beginning on Wednesday. Students were scheduled to have the day off Monday for Presidents Day.

The school was closed Thursday and Friday after damaged asbestos-containing materials were discovered in the attic.

» READ MORE: Read more: Advocates ask for a "state of emergency" declaration over asbestos in Philly schools

On Friday, officials determined that damaged insulation in the boiler room represents an imminent hazard and must be closed off and abated, effectively cutting off the school’s heat.

“Safely addressing both of these imminent hazards and conducted the needed testing is expected to take about one week,” spokesperson Megan Lello said in a statement.

Students will be bused to King from Feltonville.

No decisions have been made about whether Sullivan School in Frankford will reopen on Tuesday. Sullivan and Barton are the ninth and 10th Philadelphia schools to be closed because of asbestos problems this school year.