Overview

• Philadelphia’s public schools agreed to defer criminal charges after federal prosecutors accused the district of missing mandated asbestos inspections at eight buildings.
• Authorities filed eight counts under the Toxic Substances Control Act, making this the first environmental criminal case brought against a U.S. school district.
• Under the deal, the district must fund a court-appointed monitor and submit regular reports to demonstrate compliance over the next five years.
• Asbestos management spending has risen from $10.2 million in 2020–21 to $55.7 million this school year and inspections will increase to twice annually.
• Nearly 300 of the district’s 339 aging buildings contain asbestos, and past inspection lapses prompted school closures and raised health concerns.