DOE must report school PCB test results

In an important victory for parents, children, teachers and other school personnel, the City Council on Dec. 19 passed two bills to require the Department of Education to provide public notification and reporting on PCBs in city schools.

More than 700 public schools in the five boroughs could contain PCBs — toxic chemicals linked to cancer, developmental disabilities and birth defects — in their light fixtures.

The new legislation, which the UFT fought for, requires the DOE to inform employees and parents of students in any New York City public school tested for PCBs of the test results, whether positive or negative, within seven days. It also requires the agency to submit an annual report to the Council on its progress to rid school light fixtures of PCBs and to address issues related to PCBs in window caulk in schools.

To ensure transparency, both laws require that the DOE post all test results and reports on its website.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew applauded the City Council for its action.

“This legislation takes an important step forward in keeping educators, parents, students and elected officials informed about a critical safety issue in the schools,” Mulgrew said.

The mayor signed both bills on Dec. 27.