'Lead is poisoning our kids': Community leaders discuss high lead levels with CMS superintendent

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Community leaders met with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials Thursday to discuss the high levels of lead in drinking water at dozens of schools.

Channel 9 cameras were not allowed into the meeting.

However, community leaders from The Coalition for Safe and Healthier CMS Schools provided a packet they put together for CMS Superintendent Clayton Wilcox, expressing their concerns with the hope the school district will take active steps to find a long-term solution.

“It’s poison,” parent Sherika Kemp said. “Lead is poisoning our kids. It’s important.”

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Kemp, who attended the meeting, said her children go to University Park Creative Arts School, which is one of the schools that tested high for levels of lead in its water.

“I’m hoping for some positive results from it,” Kemp said. “Nobody wants our kids to go to school and get poisoned.”

CMS officials say they are in the process of testing all schools for lead. They are also testing for other environmental conditions in every school.

“There’s nothing more important than the health of our community’s children,” CMS spokesperson Tracey Russ said.

School officials say they are working to make sure families are aware of water testing results as they become available and have the information they need that’s relevant for their students.

“I am very pleased,” former teacher Tara Long said. “I’m hopeful that Dr. Wilcox will work with us as a group of community leaders, and we’re going to improve CMS standards.”

There are still many questions, such as: What do short-term and possible long-term solutions look like?

Concerned community leaders said they want to see results soon.

“Our kids are our future,” said community member Glencie Rhedrick. “Why it’s important is because of the damage it does to our kids long-term.”

Community leaders said they plan on meeting with Wilcox again to discuss policies they think should be implemented to help.

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