SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSIDERING NEXT ACTIONS ON "SERIOUS" LEAD WATER ISSUE; HEALTH MEETINGS SET FOR TUESDAY

School Board President Elizabeth Baker sought to ease parents' concerns after Monday's revelation that five district schools had high levels of lead in some drinking water sources.

In a letter to parents Monday evening, Baker wrote that district officials plan to meet with town health officials in both communities Tuesday to consider the next steps, which may include lead testing of students.

See her letter below:

Dear SOMSD Community,

We understand families' concerns about their children's well-being. The Board is committed to taking all appropriate steps to ensure the health and safety of students and staff and to sharing information as we receive it. Please know that the Board of Education and the District are taking this situation extremely seriously and moving with urgency to make better sense of the lead testing results and quickly determine next steps. Today, Dr. Ramos spoke with members of the Township health departments and consulted with the District's Physician.  

Tuesday morning at 8:00am, a committee of Board of Education members and members of Administration are meeting with Township leaders and health officials to determine the best course of action. Among the next steps being considered are lead testing and other measures.   

We will be back in touch with the community as early as possible on Tuesday morning to lay out next steps.  

Elizabeth Baker 
President 
South Orange Maplewood Board of Education