Fruit Ridge Elementary School will be closed on Friday, February 18, to allow asbestos specialists to test insulation in the attic crawl space above main hall classrooms.

Buildings throughout the country constructed prior to 1977 often contained asbestos. Superintendent Jonathan Raymond ordered Fruit Ridge Elementary shut down for one day after work crews installing wireless technology came in contact with the insulation, potentially disrupting the asbestos.

Experts will test the air in classrooms to make sure the building is safe before children and teachers are allowed back in.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we’re going to close the school building on Friday and will make sure it is thoroughly tested and its safety is approved by experts,” Raymond said. “Nothing is more important than the safety of our children.”

Phone calls were made to Fruit Ridge families Thursday night to apprise them of the situation and the necessity of Friday’s school closure. Staff will be on hand Friday morning to answer questions and further direct parents.