Landon Knows Best

In an email last week from King's Highway MRC Chairman Gavin Anderson to First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, Elliott Landon, and BOE Chairman Mary Parmelee, Mr. Anderson recommended a number of actions with regard to the first grade classrooms at KHS.

One action was to conduct PCR testing of the ceiling tile dust and debris that was found in the rooms after replacement of ceiling tiles ordered by Nancy Harris. A number of children and teachers in these rooms reported health issues after the ceiling tiles were replaced. Per Mary Parmelee, a PCR test is like 'DNA testing' of a substance.

At tonight's Westport Board of Education meeting Elliott Landon confirmed that he had decided not to follow Mr. Anderson's request and did not conduct PCR testing. Mr. Anderson confirmed that he would still recommend that PCR testing be completed.

The opportunity to follow Gavin's recommendation and conduct the PCR testing is unfortunately impossible as the administration disposed of the old ceiling tiles and dust/debris that was in rooms 104, 105, 106, and the Art/ACT rooms.