In Middletown, New York, the local school board has agreed to consider the sale of Memorial School.

The 60,000-square-foot school is nearly 90 years old, and has been vacant for almost five years. According to School Board President Will Geiger and Superintendent Ken Eastwood, the building is known to have a whole host of problems.

Some of these include mold, non-compliance with standards set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Acts, and issues with asbestos. All told, bringing the building up to code could cost as much as $25 million.

Asbestos exposure may lead to development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that can kill within months of being diagnosed. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, but despite the efforts of cancer researchers all over the globe, there is no known cure.

Mesothelioma cancer typically lies dormant for up to fifty years before an individual begins to suffer from mesothelioma symptoms. Asbestos exposure can also cause other serious health problems. These range from asbestosis to pleural plaques to various forms of lung cancer.

Opinions about the future of the aging school are divided. While almost all school board members were in favor of the sale, one member of the school board cast a dissenting vote. Board member Evelyn Isseks said the district should take measures to preserve the historic building.

“We seem to be getting rid of buildings, such as Chorley,” she said, referring to a local elementary school slated for demolition. Unfortunately, the high cost of asbestos abatement often deters school districts from choosing renovation in lieu of demolition or sale.

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