LeRoy parents not convinced by tests

LEROY, N.Y. (WIVB) - An independent consulting firm agrees that there is nothing inherently dangerous in the ground , air or water at LeRoy Junior-Senior High School.

But that still isn't enough to convince some parents.

During a public meeting Saturday between parents, residents, and LeRoy Central Schools officials, Superintendent Kim Cox said, "So much misinformation, speculation, and erroneous facts that're traveling at the speed of light have caused great concern."

The meeting was intended to dispel that misinformation, and offer parents absolute reassurance that the LeRoy schools are safe for their children.

But for many, it did not.

Patrick Frawley said, "This is ridiculous. We've been waiting months. We come down here, and you tell us, "CDC," this, that. It takes months, years to find out what's going on. Love Canal took years!"

Melissa Cianci questioned, "Do you have children? Do your children -- will you send them to this school?" Then added, "No! I am done listening to you! You guys need to do something!"

Testing by the district found no environmental cause for the tic illness that 18 students have suddenly come down with since September.

Industrial and environmental consultant, Leader Professional Services, was hired to review those findings.

Saturday, Leader announced it, too, found no environmental hazards on school grounds.

>>> Click here to read Leader Professional Service's findings and preliminary proposal summary.

However, it's the consultants' opinion that LeRoy could benefit from further testing.

Mary Ellen Holvey of Leader Professional Service said, "Knowing that the parents are concerned, we wanted to do a more deliberate, more comprehensive, more detailed sampling protocol to further confirm those results."

Leader will immediately set up air monitoring, but has no plans to take soil samples right away.

It makes no sense to frustrated parents.

Kathy Bell asked, "Is it a cost concern? Why couldn't we go ahead and get those soil samples in conjunction with the air sampling?"

Leader's explanation is that it's a two-step process.

The air tests, according to consultants, will show if there are any potentially-dangerous chemical compounds present on school property, and -- if any are found -- where they're located. The air monitoring results will dictate where soil samples would be taken and what compounds would be tested for.