El Rancho public commenter raises concerns about corroded water fountains and testing refusal

A community member told the El Rancho Unified School District board on Jan. 20 that district drinking fountains are corroded and that the district has refused repeated requests to test the water.

Victor Gonzalez, identified in public comment as a former custodian, said he raised concerns with site staff and the district and that he was told by a colleague, "don't worry about it," when he asked about testing. "What I seen as a custodian…my main concern is the corroded, polluted water fountains being used," Gonzalez told the board, and he said he had shown pictures to the superintendent and sought donated water filters from outside agencies.

Gonzalez alleged the district had declined to test water multiple times and said custodial staff had reported chemicals in use that should not be applied. He asked the board to hold specific staff accountable by name and said he plans to bring media attention to the issue at a future meeting.

Superintendent Delgado responded later in the meeting during Q&A with other presenters and staff that the district had taken reported chemical use seriously and that custodial and maintenance staff had been engaged to investigate site concerns. Board members did not make a formal motion at the meeting but requested staff follow up and clarified that the district's established protocols require investigations and that they would report back to the board.

The board did not vote on an action during public comment; staff follow-up was requested so the district can confirm the scope of any water-quality or chemical-safety issues and report back at a future meeting.