HILLSDALE, N.J.—Asbestos remediation at George G. White Middle School is “conditionally complete,” Superintendent Rob Lombardy told residents May 2, though additional areas may still require attention as demolition continues inside the century-old building.
Lombardy said all known and scheduled environmental remediation has been completed, but the status remains conditional because crews may uncover previously inaccessible materials behind walls, structural elements or other concealed areas.
Seven asbestos-related change orders have added $134,293 to project costs since last year. The board also recently approved a $3.5 million construction contract increase, including $1.8 million tied to removal of the multipurpose room slab and $1.7 million for an expedited “recovery schedule.”
The recovery schedule is intended to make up for a 91-day delay at the project’s start, when the local construction official declined to review project plans and building specifications, forcing the district to seek approvals from the state Department of Community Affairs. Lombardy has said the added funds will cover “stacking” contractors and overtime so multiple crews can work simultaneously as needed to keep the renovation on track for September 2027 completion.
In his May 2 update, Lombardy said selective demolition is progressing from the third floor downward. Crews are removing doors, lockers, ceilings, unit ventilators, flooring, ductwork, piping and other interior features to prepare the building for modernized infrastructure and finishes.