Asbestos Concerns Linger at Brooklyn Elementary School

Parents demand transparency after allegations of student exposure during construction at P.S. 176 The Ovington School

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:37pm

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Parents of students at P.S. 176 The Ovington School in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn are calling for transparency from school officials following claims that students have been exposed to asbestos during ongoing construction projects at the elementary school. Allegations include improper asbestos removal procedures and a lack of notification to families about the potential health risks.

Why it matters

Schools have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a safe condition and protect students from foreseeable harm, including asbestos exposure. Failure to do so can lead to serious health issues for students and potential liability for the school district.

The details

Parents held a protest outside the school in June, a few days before the end of the school year, calling for the removal of the school principal, Elizabeth Culkin, who they say failed to adequately inform families about the health risks. Former Superintendent David Pretto Juarez reported seeing workers disposing of asbestos-labeled debris in the school playground area and drop-off zones. At least two students became seriously ill during the school year, with one developing pneumonia and allergies and missing 40 days of school.

  • The protest took place on June 12, just before the end of the school year.
  • Superintendent David Pretto Juarez resigned after making the asbestos allegations.

The players

P.S. 176 The Ovington School

An elementary school in the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.

Elizabeth Culkin

The principal of P.S. 176 The Ovington School, who parents allege failed to properly inform families about the asbestos risks.

David Pretto Juarez

The former superintendent of the school district who reported seeing improper asbestos removal procedures at the school.

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What they’re saying

“We must go out of our way to identify all potential sources of asbestos that can harm students. This is critical for older buildings where the use of asbestos was common.”

— David Pretto Juarez, Former Superintendent

What’s next

The school district has promised a full investigation into the asbestos concerns and has said it will take all necessary steps to protect student health and safety.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of schools being transparent about potential health risks to students and taking proactive measures to identify and remediate asbestos, especially in older school buildings. Failure to do so can have serious consequences for student wellbeing.