New school opens in Norfolk

Norfolk, Va. (WAVY) - A new elementary school opened in Norfolk next door to an older building which is half demolished and had asbestos in the ceiling.

Crossroads Elementary School features new computer labs and special programs for students with disabilities. School officials say it is not unusual for a new building and old one to be on the same property.

John Hazelette, Director of Planning for Norfolk Public Schools told WAVY.com a fence surrounding the demolition area  protects students from entering it.

"Probably 85 percent of the students that attend the school either live to the east or the north of here," Hazelette said. "The students that live on the west on the other side of Tidewater Drive, they're all transported by bus."

Parent Chris Stimphil said he is not worried about the old building.

"Construction is pretty much far away from the school and I haven't heard of any accidents that can happen since they tore down the school," Stimphil said.

Hazelette confirmed that this summer, asbestos was discovered in the ceiling of the old building. The asbestos is being removed and Hazelette said there has been no need to tent the area.

"We have an independent third-party consultant that is on site doing air quality samples," Hazelette said.

The old Crossroads Elementary School is on track to be fully demolished by the middle of October. The space will then be turned into a softball field.