Traces of lead were recently discovered in an Island Trees High School art classroom, the result of a glazing compound used for a number of years by the district.

"Please know that we are being proactive and diligent about any situations involving substances that may present any hazards," stated James Parla, superintendent of the Island Trees School District, in a June 19 letter to parents throughout the district.

The district asked a professional testing company to survey the classroom for the lead remnants. Of the 18 samples taken, eight of the samples indicated the presence of lead, with four reporting slightly elevated levels of lead concentration and four reporting very high levels of lead concentration.

The highest lead concentrations were located in the paint supply cabinet, on the floor directly in front of the cabinet and in front of the kiln.

The district is presently taking steps to remove the lead and restore the classroom to a safe condition. A company that specializes in lead remediation isolated the classroom on Sunday, June 16 to began this process, which includes disposing of all the contents of the room.

Despite the fact that student portfolios may have traces of lead contamination, the district will not dispose of these because a number of students need these portfolios for college applications.

"The contents of the portfolios will be cleaned as effectively as possible by the contractor and arrangements will be made to return them to students," Parla's letter stated.

Student art kits kept in the classroom, which were independently purchased by the students and parents, will also be disposed, however the district plans to reimburse those affected for the cost of the kits.

Additionally, the district will undergo a complete assessment of all chemicals, cleaners and other supplies contained within the building and the district will no longer purchase the glazing compound that caused this contamination.

Parla arranged for representatives from the testing company and an environmental engineer to answer concerns residents may have regarding the situation at a June 25 Island Trees Board of Education meeting.