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Today's Poll: Are you confident Le Roy Schools are looking out for the best interest of students?

By Howard B. Owens
Bob Harker

I'm confident that they are scrambling to cover their butts.

Their refusal to let others gather info in an attempt to ferret out an answer is evidence that their derrieres are more important to them than their students' health.

Jan 30, 2012, 11:45am Permalink
Gerald Robinson

Who's scrambling to cover their butts? The Board? The Super? Most of these people were not involved when the School was built. So what do they have to gain by covering this up?

Jan 30, 2012, 12:20pm Permalink
matt riggi

Howard- were there any kids at the school when the crew showed up sat? And was there a meeting of any sort scheduled with the school and the crew?

Jan 30, 2012, 12:42pm Permalink
Dan Horgan

The majority of the school board members, administration, and teachers have children that are currently attending school in the district. This is not a "government coverup" by officals in some location far removed from LeRoy. These are local people, invested in the community, that truly have the the best interests of the students in mind. Each member of the administration that I have talked to wants nothing more than to see these children get better. They also want to provide a safe and productive educational environment for the other 1200 students of the district while they help these children. If Erin Brockovich and Dr. Drew really wanted to help these families, and not just boost their own TV ratings, they would seek to provide experts to work in conjunction with the teams already working on the case. Not show up with TV cameras in tow looking to create a spectacle.

Jan 30, 2012, 12:56pm Permalink
Gerald Robinson

My point exactly Dan, well done! But, remember scandals sell, if you think for one minute those two groups (Brockovitch and Drew) of people are out for the well being of the people of Le Roy or the children involved your sadly mistaken. They're here for ratings and for the chance at a law suit that they can get their cut of. So why not come out on a Saturday and stir the pot a bit. If they did it properly and went through the proper channels that wouldn't get the media attention they crave.

Jan 30, 2012, 1:16pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Matt, as I reported, there were fewer than a dozen cars in the school parking lot and no students visible -- certainly none outside.

There is no requirement to make an appointment to walk on public property. When school property, the only requirement is not to interfere with the education of the children. People on a daily basis during non-school hours use school property for exercise and recreation. Bill Albert confirmed that this was permissible and prior approval is not required. The school can't provide one class of people access and deny it to another.

The issue of taking samples of soil could be considered criminal mischief or petit larceny, but merely walking on the property -- since it's public property, without "no trespassing" signs and the common practice is to allow public access -- is not a crime.

And since it's public space, anybody -- whether working media or citizens -- can take pictures while on the property. The school district cannot legally prohibit such photography.

I'm not sure how other members of the media learned where to be when. Nobody notified me. I just showed up to see what might be going on, figuring something would be going on.

I got the impression the Dr. Drew crew was more coordinated with the Brockovich team. The rest of the media, except the national media, which had no place else to go, just kind of drifted in and out of participation throughout the day.

Everybody in the community knew the Brockovich team was coming, and obviously the school district knew because they hired a police presence in advance and put new locks up on the gates. So for the district to say they were caught off guard is disingenuous at best.

Dan, what experts are already working on the case? Kim Cox was somewhat contradictory on this point Saturday morning, saying they had experts to work on the issue, but she was unable to answer specific questions about what work they were doing or if the work was already done or still needed to be done and whether reports have been produced or will be produced.

Even if one thinks the worse of Erin Brockovich -- and there is reason to do so -- what was to be gained by the school district in engineering a confrontation instead of just letting the sideshow go on and deal with any "findings" by Bowcock and his team later? If the district truly has credible experts doing further research, why not let the "grandstand" group do its thing and then put out the supposedly more scientific and professional report when its ready and let it speak for itself?

This wouldn't have been a spectacle if school officials had simply ignored the Brockovich team.

Jan 30, 2012, 1:30pm Permalink
matt riggi

The credibility goes out the window with your opening statement, Howard. I'm sorry. It is 100% fact that there were kids in the school. If you're superintendent of the school, and you have kids participating in any event on school grounds, are you going to do what you can to protect the "best interest" of the student, or are you going to let a debacle ensue? Can you explain why one child was actually questioned, yet every report says there were no kids around?

Jan 30, 2012, 1:38pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Matt, I was there. I first drove to the main parking lot of the school on Saturday morning. If there were any children around, as I said, they were not visible. If there were any children around, they were well away from where the action was.

The only child interviewed that I saw was with her mother and she was a student with tics. The child was not part, by all appearance, of any activity at the school.

After the interviews with Albert and Cox, I walked onto the fields and caught up with the Bowcock group, which included parents, and walked with them. We were given permission by a school official to enter the building and use the restroom in the building. I briefly saw one child INSIDE the building. Other than that, for the entire 20 or 30 minute walk of the grounds, there were no children present.

There was no education activity taking place outside the building (I have no idea what was going on inside -- I guess preparation for the event scheduled for much later that afternoon).

Choose not to believe me if you like, but what I just said is 100-percent accurate. If you don't want to believe it, that's your choice.

Jan 30, 2012, 1:50pm Permalink
Dan Horgan

Seriously Howard? You have reported on this case for weeks and you don't know what experts are working on it? You were at the community meeting. Let's see the Genesee County and NYS State Department of Health, State Department of Mental Health, the CDC, the EPA, the DEC, as well as an independent lab come to my mind from what I heard. As well these students have been receiving treatment from various medical professionals. And I agree with Matt, while there may not have been students on the grounds at the exact moment in time there were kid on that campus throughout the day for athletic and musical activities.

Jan 30, 2012, 1:50pm Permalink
matt riggi

My point is, there were students there. And having that much media there is a distraction to them! I would say that the super is NOT doing her job if she simply allowed the media to have free roam! They were allowed to walk the grounds, so what is the problem? As far as testing, let's find out laws regarding the removal of actual school grounds before we go hanging the school for all this. And I would love to hear from all the "voters" of these posts......

Jan 30, 2012, 1:55pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Yeah Matt students there with their parents for the purpose of accompanying the people who wanted to take soil samples and assess the situation.

Its not a joke Matt and unless you were there yourself then your opinions on who was there or not are based on more substantial than hearsay or speculation.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:10pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Dan, what was presented at the meeting was that the work was all done. You're saying there is still work going on. Which is it? Are you saying we were lied to at the community meeting, that the research work wasn't considered complete at that point?

Remember, the community meeting was supposed to be "We thoroughly looked at all possible environmental causes and ruled them all out as a cause." (Not a quote, but for illustration of the message of the meeting.)

From the district's own statement following the meeting:

"The environment or an infection is not the cause of the students’ tics." (http://www.leroycsd.org/news.cfm?story=88961&school=0)

You'll notice from the following link that the school says they're coordinating with the EPA and other agencies, but there is no mention of the EPA being involved in testing. And the reports, you will notice (linked at the bottom of the page) were prepared by BOCES with no mention of other agency involvement in the tests. http://www.leroycsd.org/district.cfm?subpage=1458956

But you're saying testing is still going on, so which is it -- the meeting was truthful and environmental causes were ruled out, or there is still testing that needs to be done?

There was no information presented of EPA or DEC conducting environmental tests at the meeting.

Kim Cox saying that on Saturday was the first time I'm aware of a school officially, publicly saying there is additional testing being done. But it's still not clear when or what samples were gathered, where, by whom, and when a report will be ready, or if the district is just planning on such an effort.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:03pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Matt, there is no grounds for any kind of concern that the media or anybody else present Saturday morning was any sort of disruption to educational activities. You're grasping at straws.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:06pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

This is almost laughable, you people really think that Dr. Drew and Ms Brockovich come and check things out like this at the behest of 15 or so people? The media doesnt work like that. The initial story was local but the evasiveness and reluctance of school and health dept officials to be forthcoming was what started this. And continued belligerence and evasiveness is what will keep it going. The smell of blood is in the water and these national media hounds dont waste their time if they dont think there is something here. Its apparent to anyone except those who have "drank the Kool-Aid" that something is amiss here. And until we find out what, it'll be speculated on.

The simplest way to diffuse this embarassment of the community is for School and their experts to be transparent and just put everything out there. if not it will continue. Those are facts that wont change.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:07pm Permalink
Brandon Burger

When bizarre incidents and outbreaks occur in small towns or within small school districts with little exposure to mysterious public health emergencies, it would make sense that they revert to some established protocol laid down by the state or federal authorities. I can't imagine that many people in the LeRoy school district have much experience with anything like this situation, so they probably want to follow the protocol to its most strict letter. They are following it to such a degree that they are over-reacting to the media circus just like they zealously stuck to HIPAA protections earlier. It just seems like the school is trying to keep control over the situation while they try to figure out what is happening.

Was it wrong to keep the media off school grounds? Yes. Was it a bad decision to keep Bowcock from collecting a soil sample? Yes. Does any of that mean that the school has anything other than the best interests of the students in mind? No.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:07pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Let's not forget that it's parents who contacted the national media.

I would rather not be competing against national media to get information. It bugs the heck out of me that people are calling national or even regional media before calling their local media outlets.

But this is what the parents wanted because they didn't feel there were getting straight answers from the school district, and they thought the Today Show, etc., could put more pressure on the district to be more transparent or draw in help from the outside.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:11pm Permalink
matt riggi

Howard- some parents who were actually in the school would debate that! And how am I grasping at straws? You contradicted yourself, go back and read the posts. Look, everybody in town wants this resolved. Nobody is opposed to further testing. This crew on Sat cant just haul in here like they own the place and do what they want. I'm sure if they contact the school and go through the proper channels, as Gerry stated, they would have complied. Sat was all about creating a media story...mission accomplished! It's ridiculous and irresponsible for anyone to put blame on the school for the events of Saturday.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:14pm Permalink
matt riggi

Unfortunately, this is exactly what the Brockovitch teams wants. They have completely torn this town in half. Notice how the attention has went from the girls with tics to all about how brockovich's team was denied.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:16pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Matt, again, nothing about the presence of the media or anybody else on Saturday could in any manner be logically construed to be disruptive to educational operations.

Again, neither the media nor any other member of the public needs to ask permission or get prior approval to walk on school grounds during non-school hours.

Would it have been courteous for Bowcock to call the school on Friday ahead of time? Sure, but in no way is it required, except, possibly, to take soil samples. But merely showing up? Nobody has any obligation whatsoever to notify the school.

And I said before, it's the school district that chose to make this a confrontation and then put out a press release accusing the media of criminal activity.

And at no point have I contradicted myself. Like I said before, you're grasping at straws.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:22pm Permalink
C. M. Barons

The school's failure to satisfy questions pertaining to illness(es) that have led to this loggerhead does not presuppose coverup or disingenuous behavior. As Dan points out, the school district employees, administrators, students and board members are (largely) members of the community and hold a vested interest in health/safety. The district lacks the specialized scientific and medical expertise to provide the answers. Just as the general public is dependent on outside expertise, so are district officials. I cannot be as accommodating in regard to the performance of those agencies responsible for handling this situation. If the answers are not at hand, don't hide behind HIPPA law; get the answers and be forthcoming about it. This is a community emergency that has wider implications, and the state health department needs to get to the bottom of it in a manner that restores confidence and trust. Even if the catastrophic mishandling of the Lehigh Valley spill has nothing to do with the girls' illness, spotlighting its disturbing lack of attention is a valuable, albeit accidental discovery.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:23pm Permalink
Dan Horgan

Howard, I am not a member of the school administration, so I can't speak for them or even attempt to. But as an educated resident of LeRoy and a parent I believe the school presented to the community the results of their investigation, which at that time was deemed complete, in an effort to inform the community of what had been found. All those agencies mentioned were consulted in preparation for that meeting, which was noted by the speakers. However increased scrutiny by local and national media has not ended. Thus as an educated person can understand that the administration, as well as these agencies, care about these children and continue to communicate and consult amongst each other if there is anything more they can do on this matter. If there is another report forthcoming I am not aware of it. I honestly don’t expect to see another report. If one of these legitimate agencies suggested additional testing I am confident this administration would pursue it. How about some reporting on the kids that have gotten better?

Jan 30, 2012, 2:26pm Permalink
matt riggi

Considering what is going on Howard, the presence of the media will absolutely disrupt educational operations. Kids see news cameras/crews outside, you don't think that's going to cause any sort of disturbance? Come on Howard! "Matt, as I reported, there were fewer than a dozen cars in the school parking lot and no students visible -- certainly none outside."......."If there were any children around, as I said, they were not visible"......."The only child interviewed that I saw was with her month and she was a student with tics."....They were allowed to walk the premises....Why is the school made out to be the villian? Has the school violated any laws or regulations?

Jan 30, 2012, 2:27pm Permalink
Phil Ricci

The real issue here is that Conversion Disorder comes along with the sense of "faking it", when we know very well that they are not. Further, it took too long for that information to be given to the parents, let alone community. It took these very frustrated and scared parents going to the national media to get answers. That's plain ridiculous, and when you act that way you invite more.

Presto!

The whole way Saturday went down is nothing more than a symptom to the larger disease. I have no doubt in my mind that at the end of the day, something will be discovered. It may not be the origin for the tics, but it will show something bad.

I doubt sincerely that anyone on this school board knows anything of it, and in their minds (like Matt) they were doing the right thing. It was over the top, but so is what this scene is turing into.

For the record, Howard has never done anything to show me that he is anything less than an ethical reporter. Blating him for this is not only silly, it's asinine.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:34pm Permalink
John Roach

Was the use by any of the students of things like 'Spice', or other substances like it, looked into? There seems to be similar reactions by people who misuse this legal type of substance to the symptoms shown by the students.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:44pm Permalink
matt riggi

I respectfully have a different view, Howard. Going back and forth about these details could be long...in the spirit of the question I will say this...it is at the very leaat premature to assume the school does not have the students best interest in mind..no evidence has shown that they have deliberately put students in harms way.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:47pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Dan, you said additional testing was taking place and so I asked for clarification of your specific knowledge of that because I have no specific knowledge to be confident that such testing is taking place. You then acted incredulous that I was skeptical of the claim. I then provided specific facts and documentation to show the contradiction is the school district's claims regarding testing. You seem to now be backing down from your prior claim that additional is taking place.

Increased scrutiny has come primarily because the information presented to the public by officials lacked credibility. But it wasn't the media that brought on the increased scrutiny. I know I would have moved on to other things after the community meeting, and I'm sure the Rochester and Buffalo media would have moved on, too, and the national media never would have gotten involved -- if not for the parents pushing the media to keep attention on the matter.

Everybody always wants to blame the media. It's apparently an easy target. But in this case, the fact that A) the school district has lacked credibility on this matter and B) the parents wanted more media attention on the matter are facts that seem to get overlooked.

Dan, finally, no child or parent has come forward, at least to me, to say she or he is better.

Matt, let me break this down into component parts so perhaps it's easier to understand.

-- There was nothing significant going on at the school when I arrived.
-- The only child present prior to Albert and Cox arriving was a student with her mother, not there as part of any education process, but there to be interviewed by the media.
-- Up to the time that Albert and Cox arrived -- I am stressing this point -- there was NOTHING going on for the media to disrupt.
-- The Bowcock team was prohibited by law enforcement from going on the school grounds prior to Albert and Cox arriving. After a confrontation and argument, Albert said there was no legal grounds to prevent Bowcock from walking on school property, so long as he did not take samples.
-- At that point, Cox spoke up and said the media could not function as media and be on school grounds (even though she had no legal basis to prevent it).

Matt, honestly, I don't know how to make it any clearer to you. The school district was out of line and had no basis for its conduct -- other than the issue of taking samples -- Saturday morning.

Answer this -- why was it impermissible for Bowcock and the group with him (which included parents) to walk the school grounds at 11 a.m., but was OK at 11:30, after a parent confronted Albert with the fact that people walk on school grounds all the time on Saturday mornings?

Nothing in the educational environment had changed, but yet suddenly it was OK. Doesn't that smell of grandstanding on the school district's part?

Jan 30, 2012, 2:54pm Permalink
Dan Horgan

Agreed 100% Matt. All these comments stem from the original poll question. I have no doubt that the school leadership is of high character and is looking out for the interests of all students that attend the school, not just the ones that are experiencing symptoms. The media has disrupted educational operations at the high school and grade school throughout this whole process. To say that it hasn't is absurd. Every article written or story shown on TV conjures up more speculation and conversation amongst the entire community, which reaches into the school everyday. The commentors and voters on this site who think the school is not doing enough or are somehow covering something up are mistaken. Seriously people in this community think our school board members and teachers would send their own kids to this school if there was a dangerous environmental issue just to cover their own behinds? I think not.

Jan 30, 2012, 2:58pm Permalink
Bob Price

I'd love to add some comments, but worried jobs might be at stake. Those pics that were posted here on Sat. were talked about on the radio this morning.

Jan 30, 2012, 3:03pm Permalink
matt riggi

Don't insult me Howard. I understand..personally, I could give 2 shits about the medias right to walk the school grounds...there's a much bigger issue than the medias access. I would love for any team of experts to test the school site, there's not a person in leroy who wouldn't, but do it the right way..don't try bullying ur way in bc ur representing erin brockovich...its ridiculous

Jan 30, 2012, 3:19pm Permalink
Rob Krzewinski

I feel like if the Drew, Brockovich, Bowcock team REALLY wanted to "help," they would have contacted the district first and been like "hey, we would really like to help out here. Who have you talked to so far so we can get in contact with them? We'd like to see what they came up with. We would also like to get together so we can help solve this problem. We will probably need to take samples. But we are here to help. What can we do?" Instead, it feels like they are going behind the school's back so they can find something and say "gotcha!" You haven't been telling the truth! Ratings go up and our town looks bad. Do people really think the school is covering something up and do not have the students' best interest in mind? Come on. As was said before, I don't think the district knows exactly how to handle this type of situation. They are doing what they feel is the right thing. Did they take it too far as to not let them on the grounds and collect samples...maybe. Ok, probably. But they are being put on the spot and being made to look like the bad guys. Kim Cox did not build the school on that spot (I believe that's a whole other issue). I really believe she is doing what she feels is the right thing. I also have to believe that the state is heavily involved in this also. I don't have any proof of that, just a feeling I guess. But, I agree with what Matt said...the attention does not seem to be on the students afflicted, but now on Brockovich, etc, and how the school looks bad, and what do they know that they aren't telling us?, and now this train wreck in the '70s. I can understand wanting to know what caused this, but the fact is it has happened...now what needs to be done to help these students get better? Finding out what caused it isn't necessarily going to solve the problem.

Jan 30, 2012, 3:27pm Permalink
Judith Kinsley Bolsei

LeRoy has some some absolutely fabulous teachers. Many of whom are furious with how the administration has handled the entire situation. One in particular did his own FOIA request to actually find out what testing had been done because the teachers themselves weren't receiving any information from the administration. Much less the parents. These same teachers are angry because of the lack of testing done.

The administration had no intention of informing we parents of the situation at all until the first girl went to the media. On that day her story was to air, the powers that be hastily put together a flyer (complete with typos) informing us of some of the details and sent it home with the kids that day. And when the informational meeting took place at the school and the parents received more totally unsatisfactory answers, only then was the media bought in. Out of desperation by some of these girls for answers.

Anyone happen to look at the testing done on the school website? I am most definitely not a scientist but any fool can see these tests were totally inadequate. No soil testing at all. And up to this point in time appear to be the only environmental tests done. So if it takes an outside team of scientists to come to this town and get us answers on their own dime, I'm all for it. Not so much for paying law enforcement overtime to guard the soccer field.

Jan 30, 2012, 3:32pm Permalink
Dan Horgan

Howard - check out the district web site for the statement from January 27th, it backs up everything I have stated regarding the on going testing/consulting/etc both by the state agencies and independent firms the school has engaged. To quote "We continue to work with these agencies and members of the medical community on a daily basis. Independently, we have hired Leader Professional Services, Inc., an environmental hygiene and safety services company, to review the environmental testing that has been conducted to-date within the school and the community. Leader will determine if they have additional recommendations for how to proceed based upon their review. It is our hope that the recent offer of assistance by the National Institutes of Health will also help to shed light on this situation." As well read the Buffalo News article from Sunday, it states clearly that many of the patients are improving who are accepting the treatment, and two are now fine. While these patients may not be contacting you, these items are out there.

Jan 30, 2012, 3:31pm Permalink
Judith Kinsley Bolsei

Total BS Dan. The statement was posted Friday when it became apparent they could no longer hide their heads in the sand. Nothing but those previous two tests done by the BOCES on Myrtle Street in LeRoy had been done to that point.

Jan 30, 2012, 3:36pm Permalink
matt riggi

Lol...at least we can all agree on one thing. Let's pray for the health of not only the girls but the entire town. Everyone has their own opinion, one that probably won't change...going back and forth here will do nothing to solve the problems going on. I hope this gets resolved quickly and without further harm to the great town of leroy.

Jan 30, 2012, 3:45pm Permalink
Dan Horgan

Judy I have no intention of debating you on this topic. To say they have their heads in the sand is the most idiotic statement I have seen so far on any news article or blog on this issue. Our school has 1200 students, outstanding sports, academic, and theatrical achievements. We also are faced with severe budget issues in the coming year. Yet our leadership, becuase they care about the entire student population, has been focused on this issue every day since the fall rather than working on other items that effect the student population. You are off base in your comment and I won't get caught up responding to you after this post.

Jan 30, 2012, 3:46pm Permalink
Judith Kinsley Bolsei

Oh Dan, that's not nice. I have no intention of "debating" you either but I will certainly give my opinion on what I personally observed. Wondering what you have personally observed to form your opinion that the administration cares more about my child than what liability issues they may face for handling the situation so poorly? We obviously disagree and not a chance in hell you'll change my mind but really no need to be offensive.

Anyone know where that piece of land the school is built on came from to begin with?

Jan 30, 2012, 4:09pm Permalink
Timothy Hens

There was an article online in Saturday's Buffalo News that everyone should read.

The bottomline is that no matter how many different tests are run, there will always be some person or organization that finds something that is conspiratorial. Just look at the 911 truthers and more recently the birthers.

Here's to hoping the frenzy dies down soon and that the students involved and get well as soon as possible.

Jan 30, 2012, 4:18pm Permalink
Rob Krzewinski

Plus, IF the ground is contaminated wouldn't there be more than 12 (or 13?) students affected by this? And why now? How long has the school been open for? About 10 years? I really don't think it's an environmental issue. I mean they were given a diagnosis for conversion disorder. Some people choose to believe that and some do not. But it is a diagnosis. I just have a feeling that Le Roy is not going to look good after all is said and done.

Jan 30, 2012, 4:39pm Permalink
Christina Marinaccio

The DEC should be the ones in there testing the school grounds, the machine shop, the gulf road site and red bridge so all areas of the town are cleared. The school is paying for extra police presence on the school property with tax payer money on top of paying the police officer that is there five days a week. The DEC has professionals that investigate contamination and we already pay their salary. Put the DEC in charge if outside teams want questions answered direct them to the DEC. If they steal soil and water call a sheriff and have them arrested. Don’t tie up tax payer money with them guarding the school. Get the DEC in there to do the water/soil testing and then there won’t be debate on the schools level of concern for the students.

Jan 30, 2012, 4:46pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

Could've, should've, would've. But they didn't. The school had very limited testing done and stated that all was clear and they would have been all done had it not been for the media attention.

Jan 30, 2012, 5:11pm Permalink
Bob Harker

"Let's see the Genesee County and NYS State Department of Health, State Department of Mental Health, the CDC, the EPA, the DEC, as well as an independent lab"

Dan, the government always performs tasks better than the private sector, right?

Why would the school district NOT want input from ALL available sources?

There are 0 answers from your listed experts, other than some mysterious psychological conversion disorder that mysteriously appeared in a dozen kids at the same time...

Jan 30, 2012, 6:11pm Permalink
Mark Potwora

I would think all should be glad that this is getting the attention it is...Just to bring some heat on who ever owns that triclor dump..And that is might get addressed once and for all should be a good positive thing...More people looking at this issue can only help solve the problem..How did the school know these outside people were coming to begin with..after all they had police there stopping them...Under what law they were enforcing i don't know.The Police didn't seem to know the law either....I think all on here want to see answers to this problem......I think Howards reporting on this is very good ..How many knew there was a toxic dump that close to the school...Or that is was as big as it is..This problem started in the fall back in Oct...And still no concrete answers...If it was one of your kids what would you do..I would be contacting who ever i could to get my child help...Sounds to me allot of the schools actions have been what lawyers are telling them to do...In the end it will all become about liability....Matt i see your points,but would you rather have this issue keep quiet and just handled by the school district ...Do you think the parents have every right to seek out help were ever they can....I don't understand why you are getting up in Howards face for just reporting a story with the facts he has.....He was there that day,were you..........

Jan 30, 2012, 6:14pm Permalink
Gerald Robinson

I find it funny that over 700 people have voted that Le Roy school is not looking out for the best interest of our kids, but not one except maybe Beth has come forward and said who's covering their butts or what their motive would be. I also have to question all of the parents that have voted no and are still sending their kids to school with the belief that this is caused by environmental issues. If i thought for a minute that my kids could be affected by this i would not be sending my kids to school. I would also be curious to know how many people actually voted for the school board or even know who's on the school board. I for one know most of these people and respect and trust that they are looking out for our kids and appreciate the time they donate. I also don't understand why the school should let themselves be strong armed by Brockovitch or any other media and allow them to take samples without following protocol. Although it may not have been the most popular decision i believe it was the correct one and one that was made with the best interest of the kids.

Jan 30, 2012, 7:20pm Permalink
Mark Potwora

Where is our government officials..Schumer and Gillibrand..Wheres Steve Hawley..They have no problem getting face time when there is government pork to hand out...

Jan 30, 2012, 6:22pm Permalink
Bob Harker

This "debate" seems to be concentrated on the intentions of the school administration - good or bad.

I'm more interested in results. Answers. Effective Treatment. A "cure" if you will.

To hell with the district's intentions, Brockovitch's intentions, the media's intentions. There have been no real answers, no solutions.

The district has failed miserably. I don't care if their feathers are ruffled - individual pride is getting in the way of resolving this issue for those afflicted AND potential future victims.

The school administration's (in)actions in this case have been deplorable, ineffective, and worth the voters' scrutiny. There are serious health issues to be addressed and months later they have failed to lead or even be forthright in their dealings with students, parents, the public, or the media. They are content to lay it in upstream bureaucrats hands and let the chips fall where they may.

Derelict at best.

Jan 30, 2012, 6:39pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

I love the blinders that Matt and Dan have on. Now they say that it (Erin & Dr Davis teams soil testing) could have been handled better. Maybe they were grandstanding, but what you don't and wont consider is that they may have asked the school to come on Sat. They may have been refused. They also wont consider that the reasons that the media has this gotcha attitude is that The school has been less than forthcoming. Beth's revelation that teachers are unhappy and have foiled there own requests for info show that there may be more to Cox's reluctance then we are led to believe.

The opinions of Dan and Matt are just as naieve as those conspiracy theorist they ridicule. Theres alway several different sides to a story, each sides version of events and intents.... and the truth. The truth always tends to be the area inbetween the different sides versions.

Matt we could give 2 shits about your opinions about who's right or wrong, people just want answers and the truth, not the smoke and mirrors they have been given. As Beth pointed out this story sat with no one getting answers for weeks, then a community meeting takes place that seems slapped together and the information given was plainly meant to placate and soothe without giving any answers.

The only time any info is given at all is when the parents and public, push the district and force it to answer, thats what has people pissed off.

So Dan dont debate anyone, you wouldn't want to shatter the foundations of your opinions with any reality would you?

Jan 30, 2012, 6:59pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Mark, just to be clear -- the TCE site is a good four miles from the school, northeast of the school (water in our county flows north).

Even Bowcock is skeptical that the TCE situation is related to the tics outbreak.

I'm not even sure the TCE site is a serious health risk -- but it's still pretty appalling to see the shape it's in, just because of the potential for it to be a problem.

Also, I posted this poll question because I thought it would be interesting to see the level of confidence people seem to have (in a poll like this, only in the most general terms) in the school district. Lacking confidence isn't the same as accusing the district of a cover up or any other malfeasance. It just means you lack confidence that the school district is handling things in the best manner possible. Cox keeps talking about the best interest of the students, but do the actions line up with that stated goal? I think that's the question.

Jan 30, 2012, 7:26pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

Kyle, while I agree with you completely, you are crediting me with some things that Judith wrote. As much as I'd like to take credit for it, she's the one who has lived in the district nearly her entire life and has a child in the school. We both want nothing more than for these children to get better. And for someone to clean up that mess out in Limerock.

Jan 30, 2012, 7:34pm Permalink
matt riggi

And what conspiracy theorist have I ridiculed? Do u even know what you're talking about or is this just personal? R u looking for an argument? I have a vested interest in the findings and would like answers ASAP!! But as I said, to blame the school for saturdays is ridiculous. I've said the same thing from the beginning. Get ur facts straight before u spout off. Learn how to have a mature debate.

Jan 30, 2012, 8:23pm Permalink
Daniel Jones

I have one two part question for the people defending the school district, why, if they have nothing to hide, are they denying an independent party from taking a water and soil sample and why are they trying to shut out the press?

Also, a comment, it's not the job of the press to support the district, it's the job of the press to investigate a situation in order to report the truth.

Jan 30, 2012, 9:01pm Permalink
Rob Krzewinski

It really blows my mind that people think this is a big cover-up. Do people really think that the school is just trying to cover their butts? Really? Why is this a school issue? Why does it have to be the school's fault? Yeah, they are all students there but what about the 2 girls from Albany that traveled through LeRoy? I also heard their is a 36 year old woman who has developed these tics as well. Pretty sure she's not a student at LeRoy High School. It sounds like the school has contacted agencies to help out. No they didn't run to Erin Brockovich or Dr. Drew...so that means they've done nothing? Again, these girls have been diagnosed with conversion disorder. There is a diagnosis...yes, its crazy that this has happened. But crazy stuff happens...does anyone really understand how the brain works? I'm guessing the school doesn't want all this media around because it has probably got to be a pretty big distraction to the students. I'm sure the media isn't there just on Saturdays. My students get distracted when the lawn mower goes by the window! The real issue is that there is something wrong with these girls (and boy) and hopefully something is found to help them out.

Jan 30, 2012, 9:39pm Permalink
Dan Horgan

Rob I couldn't agree more. In this whole situation the school has become the target. All the people on this site, in the media, and on the street point the finger at the school. Everyone demands "answers" from the school and if they don't tell us well darn it they are hiding something from us! How about you want answers from Tops, from the gas station, from McDonalds, from the fitness center, from your neighbor? These kids are at school maybe 30 hours a week? But they are LeRoy residents 24/7. In every case where these kids have been interviewed on TV the family has said the child "just woke up like this", meaning at their home. I have not seen one person say that their child left for school in the morning normal and came home with these tics in the afternoon. So while we all want answers and to see these kids get better placing the scrutiny soley on the school is unfair and more than likely incorrect. When brought to the attention of the school that numerous students were exhibiting similar symptoms they took action by bringing in the appropriate agencies. Becuase they did not turn up an answer that is acceptable to the masses they must be hiding something. The TCE spill has been a concern of this community for a long time. And while I agree it needs more attention, the attention it is getting in this situation centered around the school is not right.

Jan 30, 2012, 10:28pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Dan wrote, "How about you want answers from Tops, from the gas station, from McDonalds, from the fitness center, from your neighbor? "

Um, those are all private individuals or companies. They don't, in the strictest sense, owe the public an explanation for anything, and as a business, if the public doesn't like the way the business does business, people take their money elsewhere.

The school is a public, taxpayer-supported institution and pretty much a monopoly. It is run by elected officials who are accountable to the public.

"I have not seen one person say that their child left for school in the morning normal and came home with these tics in the afternoon."

And nobody is blaming the school, so this is a false argument.

"Becuase they did not turn up an answer that is acceptable to the masses they must be hiding something."

Again, a straw man. Nobody is saying "they must be hiding something." (though usually, when somebody acts like they have something to hide, it's reasonable to assume they do, but that's not the same as saying they are).

See what I said about the school district being a public entity. It has an absolute obligation to be transparent and open with the community.

You continue to miss the point that the issue isn't about blaming the school for what has happened. The problem with the school district is that it has communicated poorly, provided incomplete and contradictory answers, tried to shift blame to the public and the media, engaged in grandstanding confrontations with the media, dragged its feet on providing information to the public, failed to communicate clearly with the parents of the students effected ... just about anything a public body could do wrong in handling a crisis, this district has done.

I mean, really, you're defending a district that is so bungling that it put out a press release calling members of the media criminals?

Jan 30, 2012, 11:03pm Permalink
Dan Horgan

One more comment on my last post. And although many on this board may think I am a defender of the school that is not the case. I am trying to get all of us to think about this with clear heads rather than the witch hunt that has been transpiring the last month on the school grounds. Ask yourself this question -why have the Erin Brockovich's and Dr Drew's (or the parents for that matter) not done extensive environmental testing at each patient's house? That is where they spend most of their time. One would think if environmental causes are to be ruled out that would be the first place I would look -within my own home where I eat, sleep, bathe. I would want samples of the air, water, basement gases, etc to be done and compared with the other 12 patients for any commonalities. Then that to also be compared to the school environment, where they work, etc. Why were the houses not the first stop on the media tour on Saturday or done previously? Is it becuase Erin Brockovich can't sue a homeowner? More and more this comes back to the diagnosis that the patients doctors have come up with. And as mentioned in the Buffalo news many are getting better with treatment. You can choose to believe it or not believe it.

Jan 30, 2012, 11:11pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

It's my understanding Bowcock went to several homes in the community. I was witness to one, but I didn't tag along for the others.

I believe there were also other stops prior to going to the school, though I am sketchy on that info.

Bowcock went to several other locations in the community as suggested by people who had e-mailed Brockovich (this info was contained in my story on Saturday). These were industrial sites, locations next to creeks and streams, etc.

Also, as explained in the story -- Bowcock said this wasn't about doing extensive environmental testing. He explained that this trip was was gather a wide array of environmental samples in preparation for a more thorough visit in a few weeks.

Jan 30, 2012, 11:24pm Permalink
Rob Krzewinski

"Um, those are all private individuals or companies. They don't, in the strictest sense, owe the public an explanation for anything, and as a business, if the public doesn't like the way the business does business, people take their money elsewhere."

I think Dan's point is that the school is the center of attention when, really, it can be anywhere. No, these places do not owe people an explanation I think Dan is saying, why aren't people questioning other areas of the community. I'm sure they've all eaten at McD's. I'm sure they have all been to Tops. Why does it have to be the school?

Maybe the school hasn't handled this in the best possible manner. But your poll asks: Are you confident Le Roy Schools are looking out for the best interest of students? The poll didn't ask if they have handled this in the best manner. I am defending a school that I feel has the best interest of the students. I believe they are trying to find answers. I believe they are trying to shield their students from the media. I've read that stress can worsen the symptoms...so I think they have this in mind in trying to keep a stress free enviromnent as best as possible.

Howard, are you maybe taking this personally because they called the media criminals? And actually I think they said that the media's actions were criminal. I guess it's how you read it. If I can ask, do you think the district has the student's best interests in mind?

You also said: "You continue to miss the point that the issue isn't about blaming the school for what has happened. The problem with the school district is that it has communicated poorly, provided incomplete and contradictory answers, tried to shift blame to the public and the media, engaged in grandstanding confrontations with the media, dragged its feet on providing information to the public, failed to communicate clearly with the parents of the students effected ... just about anything a public body could do wrong in handling a crisis, this district has done."

I don't think this is the point at all after reading through people's comments. The district seems to be communicating by sending out press releases. Where have they tried to blame the public? Maybe I've missed it, but I haven't seen anything about that. I've seen on the news where they have provided the environmental reports. There latest release mentions different agencies to contact. And how do youknow what they have communicated with the parents of the students that have been effected? Have you talked to all the families? If you have, then I stand corrected.

Isn't the issue about the students who are sick and what can be done to help them? Not how the school has handled this?

Jan 30, 2012, 11:29pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Rob wrote, "If I can ask, do you think the district has the student's best interests in mind?"

No, I don't, but that goes back to events from a year ago. Regarding this event, if you're a government agency and you're not transparent, I don't trust you to do what you say you do.

And for the record, there's only been one other government agency in a journalism career that stretches back to 1987 that I would say that about, and that was the City of Santee, which had a city manager in 1990 who was equally obstinate about sharing information.

I get great cooperation and a great willingness to share information and be open from every other government agency and official in Genesee County.

The "criminal activity" press release did get under my skin, but primarily because it already confirmed what I already surmised about the district.

"The district seems to be communicating by sending out press releases."

Not terribly informative press releases and with no willingness to answer questions. Last week I had a freelancer call Kim Cox for a story to ask her how she thought all this media attention (so keep in mind, this was before events of Saturday) was affecting students, and Cox refused to answer even that pretty non-threatening question.

Or look at this press release from Jan. 12: http://www.leroycsd.org/news.cfm?story=88961&school=0

Labeled a "summary" of the meeting, it's five paragraphs that say nothing about the meeting and communicates no details that would be reassuring to the public.

"I've seen on the news where they have provided the environmental reports."

Have you read the reports? They were prepared by BOCES. Nothing against BOCES -- BOCES provides a great and valuable service -- but it's not the same thing as an unbiased, independent scientific organization. But the district tried to slough this off as sufficient environmental testing, which a lot of parents didn't buy.

"And how do you know what they have communicated with the parents of the students that have been effected?"

My statement comes from my attendance of the Jan. 11 meeting, where several parents complained about the lack of communication from the district.

My "blaming the public" remark was in response to the following paragraph from tonight's press release: "The Le Roy Central School District and the Le Roy community want what is best for the children in the schools. Unfortunately, the endless speculation without factual basis is creating an extreme level of anxiety and concern. Students are unable to focus on learning. The constant attention has had a negative impact on the recovery of some of the students who are directly affected, many who were improving and whose symptoms have now become exacerbated...

"Isn't the issue about the students who are sick and what can be done to help them? Not how the school has handled this?"

Ultimately, it is. But it's also about the community.

There is no reason for this issue to have gone national. It did so solely because of the mishandling of communication to the public and the media (the main conduit for information to the community) by the school district.

This is not a good issue to have the national spotlight on our community for, especially when the likes of Erin Brockovich get involved.

Focusing on the school district in timely proximity to the events of the weekend is both legitimate fodder for news coverage and community discussion. That doesn't diminish the importance of the base issue -- the health and well-being of students -- but neither does that important issue negate the need to vet the district's handling of this matter.

Jan 30, 2012, 11:50pm Permalink
Daniel Jones

Howard - The funniest part of the entire episode was when their lawyer said that he didn't feel like the media was giving the district 'support'. The media's job is not to support anyone, the media's job to investigate the truth. That, more than anything else, spoke volumes about their arrogance.

Jan 31, 2012, 1:05am Permalink
Daniel Jones

Rob - There's a problem when people start getting sick for no apparent reason, and when the status quo won't investigate the problem properly, 'the likes of' Erin Brockovich show up. Isn't the real problem here is that people are getting sick, that they all went to the same in school and that we need an explanation of why so we know how to treat them? Again, why do you think that the district will not allow an independent party to take a soil sample? Why are they trying to scare off the press from reporting about this? Why are they lashing out at anyone asking for transparency? I think that it's time that everyone in LeRoy, and the community at large, received some answers. It's all of our business, not just the districts.

Jan 31, 2012, 1:22am Permalink
Kyle Couchman

I am learning how to maturely debate.....from you Matt I can tell by the tone of you last couple of posts that you dont like being treated like you treat others during this debate. It wasnt me that said I dont give two shits about something....that was you I just returned the sentiment....

YOU Matt said: "Don't insult me Howard. I understand..personally, I could give 2 shits about the medias right to walk the school grounds" so if you dont care a whit for someone elses rights, why should anyone else care about yours?

Its not personal for me at all Matt I'm an outside observer, I can only go by what I have been told by my Leroy neighbors and friends and what I have read here on official news releases and forum contributions. My Facts are straight and the school is to blame for Sat 1) FACT Cox was there on a Sat 2)FACT A gate to the school grounds was locked with a new lock when it hasnt been in the past 3) FACT There was a law enforcement presence at the school indicating they had knowledge beforehand that someone was coming.

For someone who has a vested interest in having answers ASAP you surely seem able to keep giving the district who isnt providing answers, alot of slack, while crucifying the media and other who are looking for the same said answers.

Jan 31, 2012, 8:09am Permalink
matt riggi

lol...This is a ridiculous argument. It really is. It does no good to the community. This is my last post about this because its just plain stupid. So the super was at the school...and....what exactly does that prove? This crew showed up with no credentials wanting to take soil samples. No kidding they were denied!! What would the school try to hide? This is huge national news. You honestly believe the school is not going to permit the PROPER people to take samples? They showed up, news crews in tow, on a Sat morning when kids are in the school..Yeah, that's really professional!! All I have said from the beginning, is that this crew didn't handle themselves properly. Of course everyone wants testing. Holding the school accountable is ridiculous. How come nobody has blamed the EPA, who by the way, if you watched Dr. Drew last night, Mr. Bowcock claims that the EPA themselves ADMITTED THEY MESSED THIS UP FROM THE BEGINNING!! They are the cause of this, not the school! The school was told by Drs that a diagnosis was given (which I personally am not sold on), and they followed the proper channels they felt necessary. Whether you agree with the steps they followed or not, to say that the students are not in their best interest is completely ridiculous. As Dan stated, board members have children in that school. You think they would risk the health of their own children for some so called "cover up". Come on people, use your head. I'm not arguing that this hasn't been a mess, bc it clearly is, but blaming the school? really? The ONLY people to blame for any toxic problems are the agencies who failed to correct it years ago. My vested interest, by the way, is my family that is in that school and my property which is about 2 miles from the 70's crash site. I want testing to be done just as much as the next guy. But not by some media frenzy crew looking to boost their ratings. If this team truly cared about the kids and this town, they would have contacted the school and set this up with them. If you can't understand where I'm coming from, then I have nothing more to say. I understand where some people here are frustrated bc the lack of communication has gone on for too long. These girls did the right thing and will certainly be given answers soon. But saturday's events are not the schools "fault" nor should it in any way suggest that the district doesn't have the childrens best interests in mind.

Jan 31, 2012, 8:49am Permalink
Kyle Couchman

It always becomes a ridiculous argument when you start looking bad in it. Statements that you dont care about the media's rights. As well as circumstantial evidence that they did contact the school and were stonewalled. You also love to generalize to make your point. There were 2 groups there Sat....

Mr.Robert W. Bowcock (top photo), an environmental investigator with Integrated Resource Management, based in Claremont, Calif. whom I'm sure has credentials to prove he is a capable environmental investigator.

Then the second group of local and national media. While you and others may think you are the spokespeople for sensible Leroy citizens, you seem to be the vocal minority.

Jan 31, 2012, 1:03pm Permalink

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