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The levels of radon at the schools are higher than the 4 picocuries per liter limit recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The highest level, 15.8 pCi/L, was found at Harrison Elementary.
Myron Thompson, acting senior director of operations and support, has said work will begin during spring break and continue over the summer, when students are not present.
I DO WISH THE EXPOSURE HADN’T OCCURRED TO BEGIN WITH, BUT THAT IS WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE. ... ALL THAT WE CAN DO IS ADDRESS THE ISSUE, AND THAT WAS DONE TONIGHT. ... Sarah Williams
Last year, high radon levels were found at the district’s Locust Trace AgriScience Center and Yates Elementary. Since then, district officials have been checking school properties continually.
After Monday’s meeting,Williams said she was satisfied with the outcome.
“I do wish the exposure hadn’t occurred to begin with, but that is water under the bridge. ... All that we can do is address the issue, and that was done tonight,” she said.
Superintendent Manny Caulk described Williams’ concerns as “a community voice that supports a board action.”
He said he and school board members want all students to be safe.
Also on Monday, Caulk announced that new principals have been named for three Lexington schools and a key district staff post has been filled.
“Our team keeps getting stronger,” Caulk said in a news release. “Every school deserves a great leader, and I believe that we have four more transformational leaders joining our ranks.”
The new principals are Paul Little, Henry Clay High School; Grant Davis, Clays Mill Elementary School; and Stephanie Urbanek, Meadowthorpe Elementary.
William “Billy” Buchanan, was named director of data management, planning and program evaluation
Little has more than 21 years’ experience in education. He taught math, reading, social studies, health and special education at Morton Middle, and business education at Tates Creek High. He was named assistant principal at Lexington Traditional Magnet School in 2004 and assistant principal at Henry Clay High School in 2005.
“Paul Little will be a familiar face to the students, staff, and community members as he accepts the title of principal at Henry Clay High School. His years of service as the associate principal have prepared him well to assume his new role,” said school director Randy Peffer, who oversees Henry Clay. “Mr. Little possesses all the skills and attributes needed to lead Henry Clay and continue its tradition of being one of the premier high schools in the state and nation.”
Davis has more than 11 years of experience in education. All of his work has been at Clays Mill Elementary, where he has been a fifth-grade teacher, instructional coach, response to intervention coordinator, administrative dean, professional growth and effectiveness coach, and acting principal.
“Grant Davis is a leader to watch,” said school director Jimmy Meadows, who oversees Clays Mill Elementary. “A student-centered and accomplished administrator, Grant possesses a vision that will take Clays Mill to another level in the area of student achievement.”
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