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Lead found at Hazel Elementary field; district awarded state earmarks for playground and capital work
Summary
The board announced elevated lead levels in a portion of Eckert Field at Hazel Elementary, closed the field pending remediation, and shared that the state budget included $125,000 for a Kelly Elementary playground and $300,000 for capital improvements; the district awaits timeline to receive funds.
President Rock told the board on July 21 that preliminary soil testing tied to a PSE&G Foundation grant for a Hazel Elementary greenhouse showed elevated lead levels in part of the lower Eckert Field. "The field is not to be used until the remediation is completed," Rock said; the district has closed the field and scheduled remediation.
Rock also reported that Hazel Elementary received a $10,000 grant from the PSE&G Foundation to support a greenhouse learning space. The soil testing was conducted as part of the grant work.
Separately, Rock said the state budget included two supplemental appropriations benefiting the district: $125,000 specifically earmarked for a playground at Kelly Elementary and $300,000 for various capital improvements. The board is awaiting notification from the state on the timeline for receiving those funds and will plan expenditure once the timeline is known.
During the finance discussion the board also announced a $30,000 donation to West Orange High School to support a home-maintenance and repair training lab (plumbing, electrical and HVAC) and an anonymous donation of five round tables and three rectangular tables estimated at $6,000 to Kelly Elementary. The board said it expects to receive 40% reimbursement from a state grant for recently completed air-conditioning projects at the high school.
Superintendent Moore introduced Allison Socio Williamson as the district’s new supervisor of fine arts and thanked the enrichment-program staff and Eagle Scout honorees in the community.
The district will post remediation and funding timelines when the state and contractors provide additional details.
