Posted at 1:15 p.m., Monday, August 27, 2001

Lead paint may force closure of more preschools

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

State officials today were to discuss what to do about two Head Start preschools that were closed because of lead paint.

But Toni Farm, assistant director of Oahu Head Start, said the discussions also could prompt further closures, although she did not know how many.

Head Start preschools at Waiahole and Kahalu'u elementary schools were ordered closed last Thursday and Friday. Neither elementary school was closed, however, because the Department of Education has a different standard for assessing the risk to children.

At the two Windward O'ahu programs, parents of 40 children had to find alternate care, Farm said.

"They thought they were starting school today," she said. "We have gotten a few calls. They are concerned. I would be too."

The paint is chipping in both classrooms and fear is that the preschool-age children in Head Start will eat the chips.

Lead affects the central nervous system and can cause learning disabilities and behavioral disorders.

Head Start, licensed by the state Department of Human Services, used public school classrooms free of charge. There are 42 Head Start preschools on O'ahu.

"We have an acceptable safety standard," said Greg Knudsen, Department of Education spokesman. "We maintain there is no risk, but (Department of Human Services officials) are going with an absolute zero tolerance policy."