p>Gettysburg’s Kefauver Elementary School may be demolished. The school, built in the 1950s, closed at the end of the 2002-2003 school year. Much work hasn’t been done to the building, and the district is losing money on the property.

The building currently leases to the tech prep program–which comprises several surrounding school districts, along with two charter schools and a nonprofit agency.

District Superintendent, William Hall, noted that continued use of the building would require several renovations and replacements, including a new roof. However, Hall believes renovations of the building would not be financially justified.

Before the building is demolished, asbestos abatement must occur. If asbestos were not properly removed, airborne asbestos particles would place crews, as well as the public, at great risk for contracting mesothelioma. Mesothelioma doctors find trouble in diagnosing the disease, which affects the lining of many of the body’s internal cavities.

Mesothelioma treatment typically fails to improve patients’ life expectancy period, which largely depends on the duration of time they were exposed to the toxic material.

The district has hired several contractors and architects to design a building which would suit the Adams County Tech Prep program at the high school. The culinary arts program would remain at the Gettysburg fire station.

Up to $4 million would be required to fund the project–which includes construction of a 40,000 square foot building to house the tech prep program, as well as asbestos abatement and demolition of the Kefauver Elementary School.

Once the building is leveled, in March 2012, the district hopes to use the land for student recreation and physical education.