Frankford High School reopens after $29.9M renovation, asbestos removal

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Students at one school in Philadelphia are starting the new school year with a new school.

The grand reopening of Frankford High School happened on Monday, just one week before the first day of school, and two and a half years after the school was closed due to asbestos issues.

"It's pretty exciting," said Michael Calderone, principal of Frankford High School, "considering it's been two and a half years since we left."

Officials with the School District of Philadelphia cut the ribbon on Monday morning to celebrate the $29.9 million project.

"We are reopening possibilities and opportunities for our students," said Reginald Streater, the School District of Philadelphia Board of Education president.

Every classroom that was part of the affected area received an upgrade, including items like smartboards, refinished floors, new windows, and more than 80 new air conditioning units.

"I think they're going to be impressed with how beautiful it is," said English teacher Steven Gravelle.

It's what students and teachers can't see, though, that's actually more important. A huge part of the renovation and remodeling project was getting rid of asbestos. It's the reason Frankford High School was "closed" in April of 2023.

"We had a large crew working continuously for many, many months," said Ian Forster, director of the Office of Environmental Management Services with the School District of Philadelphia.

Crews removed as much asbestos as they could. They also covered what they could not remove, using protective paneling.

"They're coming into a clean, safe environment," said Forster.

Asbestos has been a concern at a number of Philadelphia schools.

"We appreciate the work, and we'd like them to replicate that in all buildings," said LeShawna Coleman, Chief Trustee of the Health and Welfare Fund for the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. "All children deserve to go to school where it's safe, where they don't have to worry about toxins."

"We are current and on time with all our required inspections because our team has rebuilt our asbestos management program," said School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington.

The district says it is committed to transparency about asbestos at Frankford High School and at schools across the area. The district will continue asbestos checks every six months and list the results on its website.

About 1,000 Frankford High students are preparing to return to a new-and-improved school, which features a bright new cafeteria and gym. The gym received such a makeover, the principal couldn't believe it.

"When I walked in, I literally didn't recognize it," said Calderon.

The 115-year-old school has gone from being shuttered to being shown off. And this is just in time for the first day of school.

"Students are actually getting facilities they truly deserve," said Calderone.