Community concerned after lead found in Oakland public schools [Video]

Oakland community members are frustrated to learn about high levels of lead exposure in some of the city’s public schools.

This lead was first discovered in April, but the district alerted parents and students within the last week. Now, parents and teachers say they’re demanding answers. 

The Oakland Unified School District says that any contaminated water source within the district has been replaced or is now in the process of being replaced. The district added that while its facilities are well maintained, the average age of some of its buildings is about 57 years. 

The announcement is leading to concerns from a number of parents and teachers from different schools, saying their trust in the district’s honesty is now damaged. Last week, the district sent a note to school communities about this lead exposure. The school board’s policy on lead exposure, which was adopted in 2018, lays out a strict …