Hazel Park School District’s
Response to Lead Testing Inquiry
(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 27, 2016)
Hazel Park, MI – As they see the images of children in Flint lined up to get bottled water or crying over blood tests, people around the country have been wondering about the safety of the water they and their families use on a day to day basis to cook, clean, bathe and drink. Parents, teachers and advocates have also been calling for testing of the water in schools.
When lead and copper are issues, it is often caused by old pipes or old fixtures. Even when old fixtures are there, corrosion control in the water helps protect users. But testing is the best way to know if the protections are working or not.
After learning that Oakland Schools had put out an RFP for water testing, the oc115 contacted school districts from throughout Oakland County to find out where they stand on testing.
Hazel Park Superintendent Amy Kruppe responded “We do not do testing but will be looking to do testing. Oakland Schools is putting an RFP together and we will be discussing moving forward when this is completed. We will discuss this with our board as we move forward.
“I believe that parents should make informed decisions about their students. Parents should be aware where they are sending their students and what are the potential hazards within any place. We all want to have a healthy school for all of our students and children.”
She further inquired with Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Dan Romzek who replied “The 2016-17 School Aid Act that is currently in legislation includes funding for water testing in schools and the requirement that testing be done, in accordance with testing guidelines to be set by the MDEQ. If that comes to pass we will comply with the testing requirements, as appropriate.”
To read what other school districts had to say, check out Local Schools Vary on Testing for Lead in Water.