The Cajon Valley Union School District did the right thing on Monday when it closed Magnolia Elementary in El Cajon next year. With the toxic groundwater underneath the school, this is an issue to many students, parents and teachers. Parents pulled their children out of school for health related issues they believe came from long-term toxic exposure. Through conversations, I know teachers and staff that believe the same. Many fear that they too, might get sick. It is important that we get them off that property.
The Cajon Valley Union School District did the right thing on Monday when it closed Magnolia Elementary in El Cajon next year. With the toxic groundwater underneath the school, this is an issue to many students, parents and teachers. Parents pulled their children out of school for health related issues they believe came from long-term toxic exposure. Through conversations, I know teachers and staff that believe the same. Many fear that they too, might get sick. It is important that we get them off that property.
These toxins came decades ago from the nearby aerospace plant. Now owned by Senior Aerospace Ketema, the former plant owner Ametek is where the proverbial finger is pointing with a class-action lawsuit over the toxins filed. Perhaps some clarity on whose responsibility this toxic problem is will evolve out of this.
This will be difficult for many that go to school and a major hit to Bostonia Elementary School as it absorbs 600 students, 70 staff and teachers, but it is the commonsense thing to do. With what I have seen so far, I believe that this community will make it work.
I understand the logic and the red tape that the District deals with, especially with the constant testing of the school for the toxic levels, but this is not a problem fit for children and teachers. Any recordable toxins—at any time—is too much.
Call me crazy, because I know bureaucracy usually paves the longest road, but if this investigation finds the party responsible, have them purchase the school, help find and build a new one in the vicinity, and let them have that piece of land.
This District has an excellent track record of thinking outside of the box when it comes to the quality education it is providing the children of El Cajon. They have remarkable programs and continuously look at better ways to teach the next generation. Use the same skill set in dealing with their safety as is done with the curriculum and programs.
I know I am talking to an empty chalkboard, but procedure, along with a lawsuit could empty the coffer for a new school (as if public education really had a coffer). A new school on a different location is the only real solution to this problem.
Magnolia needs to stay closed. It is just not worth the risk.
So test away for a year. Perhaps by that time, the responsible thing to do will be the only thing to do.
