By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – Four District 87 schools have higher than allowable levels for lead under new state government guidelines created following the Flint, Michigan water crisis.
Superintendent Barry Reilly confirmed eight water sources in four schools had lead levels above five parts per billion, which he noted is stricter than the federal government’s threshold of 15 parts per billion.
Reilly said water is shut off at those places, fixtures are being replaced, filters are being added, and the water will be retested at Sheridan, Bent, Oakland, and Irving Schools.
A new state law requires districts to test for lead in schools built before the year 2000, and to notify parents and the health department when lead levels rise above the state threshold.
High lead levels can slow a child’s development, as was the case when lead poisoned Flint, Michigan’s water supply.
Reilly said this is an example of another unfunded state mandate, but he acknowledges such testing is necessary. He estimates the testing and repairs will cost the district about $20,000.
Lead testing is underway in all Unit 5 schools, even the district’s newer buildings in what an administrator described as a “pro-active approach.” Testing is expected to be completed by late September or early October.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
