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Grandview Independent: Richmond elementary school temporarily closes after “environmental hazards” found
July 24, 2024—Grandview Independent reporter Linda Hemmila spoke with Public Advocates’ Law Fellow Karissa Provenza about the recent closure of Stege Elementary for health and safety hazards—including reports of potential lead and asbestos—and how the disruption may impact students. Nearly a week ago, Public Advocates filed a lawsuit with co-counsel Munger, Tolles & Olsen on behalf of six petitioners (educators, parents and students) against West Contra Costa Unified School District’s (WCCUSD) for failing to address staffing and facility issues from 50 Williams complaints across schools in the district (even while acknowledging unlawful practices). This is the first case filed after the Williams vs. California settlement in 2004, which led to new legislation establishing standards and accountability measures for educational resources and funding.
“Public Advocates’ Law Fellow and lead attorney on the lawsuit against WCCUSD, Karissa Provenza, said Stege’s closure is the result of the District not addressing the school’s long-standing issues:
‘The temporary closure at Stege Elementary highlights the District’s failure to address urgent and dangerous conditions that have been prevalent at the school site for years. The Williams complaint process, in part, was established to ensure that all students have access to safe and healthy schools. Unfortunately, the District’s disregard of this process has exacerbated the emergency issues that have led to this situation,’ Provenza said.”