We are extremely concerned for our children and well as our members who staff schools where lead is in the water. Who allowed children to drink this water and for how long? This is a serious question that must be answered by federal authorities. Newark is a state operated school district and as such the state Department of Environmental Protection cannot be trusted since they answer to the Governor and not the children of Newark.

This is a direct result of continuing borderline criminal occupation of the city schools by a state appointed administration hell-bent on expanding corporate charter schools even if it means neglecting the safety of children and staff in the traditional public schools. Lead levels are tested regularly and results shared with administrators who are trained to read and respond to the results. What happened here? Who received the results over the last several years and what did they do with them? Unfortunately it looks like the answer, at least for these 30 schools, is that they did nothing. Considering this, how can we trust the levels at the other buildings?

While the authorities work it out NTU members are handling this situation calmly and as instructed by administrators. In an emergency we are here to assist the community.