Kensington HS families concerned over long commute to temporary location amid asbestos concerns

PHILADELPHIA - Just days before the School District of Philadelphia begins the new school year, Kensington High School students and their families got a look at their new temporary home on Friday.

Dozens came to tour the former Austin Meehan Middle School, where students will the district addresses asbestos concerns at Kensington High.

What they're saying:

 Many families say they're fine with the temporary solution, but their main concern is the location. Austin Meehan is nearly 10 miles away from Kensington High.

"It took us a half hour to get here by car," said father John Aponte. "And the bus doesn't move, and they depart from the school during rush hour on the way home, so it's gonna take a lot more time."

Other families say they're concerned about transportation given the quick turnaround. Classes begin on Monday.

The plan is for students to take a shuttle bus daily between the two schools. 

The other side:

District officials acknowledged the change may be difficult to adapt to, especially on such short notice.

"Two weeks ago, nobody thought they'd start their school year right here right now," said Oz Hill, the district's Superintendent of Operations. 

Principal Jose Lebron tried to reassure students and families that the school will be ready by Monday, and said they will help students and staff maneuver their way around.

"Austin Meehan, as far as it may be, is the safest, most secure, clean environment for our kids to be at while we take care of our home school."

What's next:

For families that missed Friday's tour, they will have another chance to check out Austin Meehan on Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon.

Officials say work at Kensington High will continue through December. The expectation is for students to return in January.