The Woodbridge School District is now hiring an environmental consultant after an independent test found toxic chemicals at Colonia High School.
The district says that the consultant will develop a comprehensive plan of action, which will be sent to the state for approval before any further testing is done.
“I understand the feelings many in our community have in view of the information that has been shared through the media,” Superintendent Joseph Massimino wrote in a memo to parents. “As that information is based on a small number of assessments, it’s imperative that our district take action that is guided by experts and follow a comprehensive plan that is approved by the leading state agencies.”
Massimino says he expects the state to provide recommendations and guidance “in the upcoming days.”
The independent testing came from parent Edyta Komorek, who has two daughters at Colonia High School. Komorek says her testing found that there are high levels of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) in select areas of the building.
Komorek says she had the tests conducted after the state’s finding that tests for radon and radiation on campus turned up negative. These original tests were done to see if there was any connection between Colonia High School and at least 120 individuals who have developed brain cancer over the last 30 years.