SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL DISTRICT, NY — An audit from the New York State Comptroller's Office has stated that Sullivan West failed to properly identify all of the taps that needed to be tested for lead during the 2020-2021 testing cycle. 

The comptroller's office identified 136 of the district's 410 total water sources as being neither tested for lead nor properly secured so students would know not to drink from them. Additionally, the comptroller's office identified issues in the district's reporting on its lead testing, including that district officials did not notify staff, parents and guardians in a timely fashion after re-tests showed some taps still exceeded the allowed lead limit. 

Part of the issue stemmed from turnover in staff, according to the audit. In particular, the district relied on a former assistant superintendent to oversee its lead sampling program, and needed procedures did not carry over when that person left. 

The district responded to the audit contesting some of the comptroller's office's findings, and reminding the office that "testing was completed and outlets with any concern" were marked as not being safe to drink. 

"The audit was a positive opportunity to reorganize our documentation and steps to ensure consistent processes and procedures for the future," wrote the district. 

The full report can be found at on.ny.gov/4eeUR1Q. 

Information compiled by River Reporter staff.