A recent audit by the New York State Comptroller’s office has cast a critical eye on the Maryvale School District’s lead testing protocols, suggesting significant shortcomings in its efforts to ensure safe drinking water for students and staff. This assessment raises serious questions about the district’s adherence to vital public health regulations, despite its claims of substantial compliance with the state health department.
State-mandated regulations require educational institutions to not only conduct periodic tests for lead contamination in their water supplies but also to establish comprehensive action plans detailing responses to elevated lead levels. Furthermore, stringent guidelines dictate how such critical health information must be disseminated to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in safeguarding student well-being.
The audit’s findings painted a concerning picture, specifically noting that district officials allegedly failed to properly identify, report, or implement necessary remediation measures for lead exposure across numerous potable water outlets. Auditors determined that a substantial portion—207 out of 567 identified water outlets, equating to 37%—were either not sampled or improperly exempted from testing by district authorities, highlighting a potential systemic lapse in oversight.
Moreover, the report indicated a failure to take appropriate remedial action for 22 out of 39 water outlets that were found to exceed the permissible lead action levels. This inaction, according to the audit, potentially left students and staff exposed to unsafe drinking conditions, contravening state laws and Department of Health regulations designed to protect public health.
Despite the critical audit findings, a spokesperson from the Comptroller’s office emphasized the constructive nature of their work, stating that the audit process primarily aims to provide instruction and foster collaboration rather than merely assigning blame. The objective, they explained, is to identify areas where improvements can be made, guiding districts toward better compliance and safer environments.
In a direct response to the audit, Maryvale Superintendent Joe D’Angelo asserted a fundamental disagreement regarding the interpretation of Public Health Law between the Comptroller’s office and the Department of Health. This divergence in understanding appears to be a central point of contention, complicating the assessment of the district’s actual compliance.
Indeed, this specific issue in the Maryvale School District is not isolated; similar criticisms and findings, articulated with comparable language, have emerged from audits conducted by the Comptroller in two other school districts across the state. This pattern suggests a broader challenge in the interpretation or implementation of lead testing regulations within New York’s educational system.
Superintendent D’Angelo further affirmed the district’s commitment to adhering to Department of Health guidelines on this crucial public health matter. He also provided correspondence from the DOH, which stated that the Maryvale UFSD had “substantially complied with the lead testing regulations in place during the second testing cycle,” including submitting results and posting summaries as required. This conflicting information underscores the ongoing debate surrounding accountability and interpretation of public health statutes in school environments.
