The state Department of Education
released the following statement on behalf of the Kanawha County
Tests were conducted by the West
Virginia National Guard in the three Kanawha County Schools which were
dismissed early today because of reported odor issues in the schools. Results
from all three schools ( J.E. Robins, Overbrook and Watts )
came back as non-detect.
In consultation with the Kanawha –
Charleston Health Department officials, the Governor’s Office, National Guard,
and the West Virginia Department of Education the decision was made to keep
schools open.
Kanawha County Schools have
followed all flushing protocols and in many cases have gone beyond requirements
in an effort to ensure student safety. We also continue to provide bottled
water, cook with bottled water, and make available hand sanitizer. In
addition, all schools in the county were tested last week and all were reported
at the non-detect level.
Health experts have told us that
odors may remain in the water but that does not mean the school is unsafe.
We understand that students,
parents and teachers remain concerned. So in an effort to bring peace of
mind to parents, we are working with a Response Team which will be called out
if a concern arises. The team will consist of the National Guard, local
health officials and county staff members.
Finally, over the next few weeks the Response Team will conduct
random inspections and additional random sampling. You can expect to SEE these
teams in your schools.
