Universal Vare will now be closed for the rest of the year, and other Philly school asbestos updates

Another Philadelphia school building will be closed for the rest of the year.

Universal Vare, a charter school operated in a district building in South Philadelphia, was closed last Friday after damaged asbestos was discovered during a routine inspection.

This week, Universal CEO Penny Nixon told Vare families that the school “will need to remain closed for in-person instruction through the remainder of the school year.”

“We understand this has been a difficult time for students, staff, and school families of Universal Vare, and we thank you for your patience and understanding while the School District of Philadelphia continues to complete work to address environmental issues at multiple schools,” Nixon said.

» READ MORE: The Philly school system’s annual report card is in. It shows drops in academics and attendance.

After the initial discovery, more asbestos was discovered this week, mainly above ceiling tiles and on top of ductwork, Nixon said.

“The school district has assured us that they are working diligently to develop plans for repairs, cleaning, and air quality testing to determine a timeline for the next steps and the reopening of Universal Vare,” Nixon wrote.

Vare students taking state tests have been bused to Universal Audenried High School, but spokesperson Devon Allen said Friday night that it will not be a long-term learning option. Vare students can learn virtually only.

Vare was the sixth district school to close because of asbestos issues this school year.

Building 21, the first district building closed because of asbestos, on March 21, reopened this week, but closed after a day because of water damage.

Plaster loosened by water damage fell Tuesday night, damaging two Building 21 staircases. Students at the West Oak Lane high school attended classes virtually on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Building 21 Assistant Principal Ben Koch told families in a letter Friday that students can’t return — yet — to the school.

“The School District of Philadelphia’s facility team has made progress in repairing damaged areas in the building,” Koch wrote. “They will continue to work throughout the weekend.”

Students will learn virtually Monday, and the district will provide an update then, Koch said.

C.W. Henry Elementary, in Mount Airy, will re-open Monday, chief operating officer Oz Hill said in a letter sent to families Friday night.

nu“We know these past few weeks have been challenging for families and staff as the Office of Environmental Management & Services worked diligently to address environmental concerns and prepare the building for the return of students and staff,” Hill wrote.

Henry was cleared for re-opening after both district staff and a representative from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers completed side-by-side air sampling tests and the results met re-occupation standards.

Henry has been closed since late April. Hill said the school’s art and dance rooms will remain closed while a lead paint stabilization project is completed.

Families at Frankford High, also closed for the year, are awaiting news about a possible relocation site for the school. Hill told City Council Tuesday that Frankford’s special-education students are likely to land at Olney High next week, but that no site has been decided for the rest of the 900-student school.

Another Philadelphia school, Mitchell Elementary, closed at the same time as Frankford, but its students have relocated to McMichael Elementary in West Philadelphia.