Two schools in the central Illinois community of Heyworth are closed after an air sample tested positive for asbestos.
School officials decided to cancel classes beginning Sept. 23 for junior-senior high school and elementary school students.
Superintendent Randy Merker tells The (Bloomington) Pantagraph that the district ordered the asbestos test after custodians found a small piece of hard plaster and worried it might be asbestos.
The district plans an extensive clean-up in the affected area, followed by more testing to determine if it is safe for students and staff to return.
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Why 2026 Is The Tipping Point for The Evolving Role of AI in Law and Claims 
Navigators Can’t Parse ‘Additional Insured’ Policy Wording in Georgia Explosion Case 
UBS Top Executives to Appear at Senate Hearing on Credit Suisse Nazi Accounts 
Charges Dropped Against ‘Poster Boy’ Contractor Accused of Insurance Fraud 
Want to stay up to date?
Get the latest insurance news
sent straight to your inbox.