A team from the Texas A&M University School of Rural Public Health has completed an independent report regarding the sampling for the presence of toxins allegedly arising from the wood treatment plant in Somerville. Sampling was done at various levels of all Somerville ISD schools, from attics to the floor level. I am pleased to report that at most levels, very small concentrations of toxins were found. While this study was an existence (not exposure) study, our schools appear to be safe for our staff to work and our students to learn. Appropriate cleaning of floors and other areas where human exposure can occur have contributed to this environment.
This being said, SISD aims to go the extra mile in ensuring the safety of its students and staff. Toxin concentrations were found to be highest in attic areas, which have largely been undisturbed for years. SISD will continue to ensure that staff and students cannot gain access to attic areas. I will also ask the school board to consider methods to clean the attics during non-school time. In addition, I will ask the board to consider the continued need to occupy the BMC, due to its small size and age. The board will also consider any other reasonable alternatives to ensure the continued safety of our staff and children.
In conclusion, while I am happy that the report showed that our school environment is largely free from dangerous levels of toxins, the board and I will continue our work to seek options which provide maximum safety for all. We greatly appreciate the school community's support as we work toward this objective in the coming months.