Recently, Lakeside School in Bakersfield, California has stumbled upon an unusual problem. They have lost access to safe and drinkable water.
This past September, the school and water officials found very high and hazardous levels of arsenic in the school’s water system that connected to their sinks, water fountains, etc. Due to the State of California’s standards for safe drinking water, Lakeside took immediate action to prohibit the use and consumption of the machines connected to their contaminated water system.
Kristen Angelo, Principal of Lakeside School confirms students and staff have been provided with a plentiful supply of water bottles and water dispensers have been placed around the campus for the students to refill on water whenever they’d like throughout the day. She continues, “The effect on students and staff has been minimized. Many of the kids prefer bottled water. However, the need to service, supply, and monitor the water dispensers is a huge burden on the school staff.”
Continuing on more technical information, Ty Bryson, Superintendent of Lakeside Union School District reveals the expenses and situational strains behind the issue. On the topic of reinstalling a newer and safer water system, he explains, “We have worked with several different agencies in hopes of finding a permanent solution that would provide clean drinking water for our students and staff.” He continues by saying although they have talked to several agencies, a permanent solution has continued to elude them. He conveys the challenge by expressing, “There is always a roadblock that prevents us from finding that elusive permanent solution.” Bryson expresses the ideas they have and continues to describe the ideal outcome for this situation. He explains, “ Ideally, we would like to consolidate with the City of Bakersfield, connect to the city water supply, and become a paying customer. However, because our District is outside of the City Limits, Bakersfield does not wish to allow us to connect to their water supply.” Bryson explains the ticking time bomb that is the three months they have left to find the funds to cover the expense of a new water system and the payments. Assuring the students and staff are still provided with clean water refreshments every day, he also adds, “We currently have an agreement with The Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) to reimburse our bottled water expenses. Our agreement is set to expire in February of 2024. But, we are optimistic we will be able to extend that agreement if funding is available.”
Angelique Campos, a current 9th grader here at Ridgeview, expressed her opinion and hopes for the Lakeside. “I feel bad for all the kids and the teachers that are currently being affected by the water issues.”, she stated. On the topic of hoping to raise funds by February, she says this, “I think some ways they can help raise money are fundraisers, possibly cutting things out of their current budget. Another thing I would consider that is a little more tedious or time-consuming is grants.” With high hopes for Lakeside, Campos believes help can come in a different form from people other than the school officials. She expressed, “I also believe and hope their surrounding community and the student’s parents can not only help by donating money but just help by putting together different ways the school can raise the money for their kids.”
