Dr.

Roberto Padilla
Mr. Ed Forgit
Ms. Mary Ellen Leimer
Ms. Marianne Heslin
Ms. Sara Feliz

Superintendent of Schools
Deputy Superintendent
Asst. Superintendent, Human Resources
Asst. Superintendent, Finance
Asst. Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction

April 27, 2016

Dear Newburgh Enlarged City School District Community,
The Newburgh Enlarged City School District is committed to protecting the health of
students and staff. In order to protect public health, the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) recommends that school districts test drinking water for lead. As part of our ongoing
efforts to protect our community, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District invited the EPA into
our schools to initiate a program to test our schools drinking water and to improve drinking water
quality throughout all of our school buildings. I am happy to announce the results of this voluntary
program.
From July 21, 2014 until September 25, 2014, each school building was tested including
the newly opened Pre-K Center on Washington Street, following EPAs 3Ts program for reducing
lead in drinking water in schools. Samples were collected from outlets such as water fountains and
taps used for cooking/drinking in each of the schools and were analyzed by an EPA laboratory. The
laboratory results were received on October 30, 2014 by NECSD Executive Director of Operations
and Maintenance Andy Velez.
The results indicated that of the outlets sampled, 105 of 1054 (or approximately 10%) had
lead levels in excess of the recommended action level. The school district moved immediately to
safeguard the health of students, faculty, and staff, either by turning off the outlets or marking them
with signs indicating that the water should not be used for consumption until further notice.
The NECSD worked closely with the New York State Health Department and the EPA to
ensure the outlets that exceeded the lead levels were inspected and necessary corrective action was
taken. In March 2015, the district performed a second water test of all the outlets that exceeded the
levels in the first round. At the time, we had 41 outlets that still exceeded the levels. Again, the
school district took the necessary action to remediate the remaining outlets.
In August 2015 and again in January 2016, the EPA took water samples to ensure the
lead levels are within guidelines. After the most recent testing, only three outlets exceeded the
levels. In February 2016, the three remaining outlets were permanently taken out of service and
reported to the EPA.
Since the beginning of the testing in 2014, from a total of 105 outlets exceeding the lead
levels, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District has remediated 102 and eliminated three
outlets from service.
If you have questions or would like more information about the lead testing program,
including laboratory results, please contact Andy Velez between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00
p.m. or by email at avelez@necsd.net.
Sincerely,

Dr. Roberto Padilla

Superintendent of Schools
124 Grand Street Newburgh, NY 12550 Phone: (845) 563.3400 www.newburghschools.org