CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Public Schools conceded that the response to complaints about peeling paint in Bridgeport elementary school that later tested positive for lead was slow.
There were complaints about the peeling paint in a special education classroom and other rooms at McLellan elementary at 35th and Wallace in October.
The school was built in 1881. Last week, testing found high levels of lead, which can damage the brain and nervous system.
The Chicago Tribune reported that Principal Carrie Cole wrote to parents, the “Department of Facilities acknowledged that there was a delay in its environmental team being notified of these issues.”
A parent and member of the Local School Council, Bertha Alderete, said “The outrage is still pretty strong,” and asked, “What are you going to do for all these kids?”
Her 12-year-old son was in the special education classroom that tested positive for high lead levels. He’s been tested for lead poisoning, but the results are not back yet.
CPS officials now say they are addressing the issue at McClellan and system-wide.
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