Lead Concerns Force East Chicago Kids To Change Schools
(CBS) -- In East Chicago, Ind., the excitement of the first day of school is mixed with a bit of trepidation. Hundreds of students have been forced to attend a new school because of lead contaminated soil at their old school.
CBS2's Dorothy Tucker reports as the Codark children show off supplies for their new school, they've already been coached on why they can't return to their old school.
"There's lead in the school and they don't want the kids to get sick," the kids said in unison Friday.
Part of the grounds outside of Carrie Gosch Elementary School is contaminated with lead, because the building, like a nearby housing complex, was built on top of an old lead plant.
"It's hurtful because all my life I was bouncing from school to school and I tried to break that cycle for my children and now the school is contaminated," parent Shaunte Oberiy said.
Children are being transferred to West Side School, which is the former middle school that had recently closed. It was empty, but a welcome sign went out outside the school on Friday.
All 430 students will occupy the West Side School building, along with some 40 teachers and staff members like Ann Kelly.
"What are you going to do to make the students comfortable," Kelly asked. "They know the teachers, they're familiar with the teachers and we'll be on the bus and be there to greet them. It's all going to be great."
The new school year starts in the new school on Monday at 8 a.m. Buses will pick up students at the West Calumet housing complex. Locations of bus pick-ups are listed on the district's website.