Swampscott, Mass. – At a recent school committee meeting, facilities director Max Kasper disclosed that extensive glass contamination was discovered on the grass of Swampscott Elementary School’s brand‑new field. The problem surfaced after a 2026 drainage improvement project disturbed glass that had been buried beneath the surface.

Injury prompts field closure

In June, an elementary‑school student was cut on the field during recess. The child suffered a minor leg wound and is expected to recover fully, according to School Committee Chair Glenn Paster. A parent, who chose to remain anonymous, posted a photo of the cut, confirming that the injury occurred on the same field where the glass was later found.

How the glass was uncovered

Swampscott Elementary was constructed in 2024. Shortly after opening, staff noticed poor drainage on the field and approved a drainage upgrade that began in early 2026. During the excavation, workers brought buried glass to the surface. Kasper explained, “We brought it to the surface with the drainage project, so it’s really … it’s always been there.” The field was immediately closed to prevent further injuries.

District response and next steps

The school district, which spent roughly $100 million on the overall project, is now confronting a “major, major issue,” Kasper said. In a statement to NBC10 Boston, Chair Paster indicated that the district is in the process of hiring a landscape architect to determine the best path forward. The committee is also reviewing legal options that might help offset the cost of necessary repairs.

Superintendent Jason Calichman told committee members that the presence of glass was unexpected. “Any injury that took place, it really wasn’t on anybody’s mind that it could even be glass until recently,” he said, noting that many assumed the cuts were caused by rocks or other debris.

Community concerns

Parents expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing the need for a safe play environment. The district’s swift closure of the field and commitment to professional assessment aim to reassure families that student safety remains a top priority.

While the district evaluates remediation options, officials encourage parents to keep children away from the field until a thorough clean‑up and safety review are completed. Updates will be provided as the landscape architect’s recommendations are finalized and any repair work begins.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.