First Time Since Train Derailment, Paulsboro Students Head Back To School
By Al Novack
PAULSBORO, NJ (CBS) - Students headed back to class in Paulsboro public schools this morning, for the first time since a train derailment and chemical spill 11 days ago.
Students like Briana woke up early once again and they said they like getting back to class. Briana said it feels good.
"Better than sitting at home all day."
Another student said it's tough getting back into the rhythm of the school day.
"Awkward. It's been a while, out of schedule. I slept in a lot and now I have to wake up early. It's terrible."
When Justin Tiddleworth got back to Paulsboro High School this morning, he said he still felt like he was half asleep, but he was glad to be back, "for the most part. It sure wasn't fun Friday when it all started."
Reporter: "Did you miss school?"
"Yes."
Reporter: "What did you do with all of that time off?"
"Absolutely nothing. I stayed inside."
All of the buildings have been tested, they've been cleaned and found to be safe.
There will be a public meeting at 6 p.m. as the district weighs options to make-up the seven class days that were lost.
Meantime, nearly 250 workers using heavy equipment continue to clear debris from the Mantua Creek, making way for the removal of the four tankers containing vinyl chloride.
The Coast Guard is not putting a timetable on when they believe the tankers will be removed. Officials warn that, until all of the tankers are cleared and the chemicals are gone, the danger remains.
Thirty people who live near the creek remain evacuated.
