Story thread · 12 reports / 11 sources

High school campus in Richmond shuts down over discovery of toxic chemicals

nbcbayarea.com · 6dShare

The West Contra Costa Unified School District shut down the Kennedy High School campus this week over the discovery of toxic chemicals underneath the campus, just less than two weeks before classes begin. Kennedy High School was already one of four high schools undergoing upgrades ahead of the new school year. Now, with students scheduled to return Aug. 18, it’s unclear whether they’ll be back on campus after the district shut down the Richmond school over the discovery of varying levels of tetrachloroethylene, or PCE, beneath the campus, raising concerns for teachers and families. “This really creates an increase stabilizing effect on the entire Kennedy community,” United Teachers of Richmond President Francisco Ortiz said. According to the EPA, PCE is a chemical commonly used in dry cleaning and metal degreasing. Teachers say they’re still waiting for answers about potential health risks and whether other campuses will also be tested. They say they learned Tuesday the school was clos

First report: California high school suddenly shuts down after toxic discovery — nypost.com, 7d