January 27, 2012


Our community has suddenly found itself at the center of national attention due to the students who have been exhibiting neurological symptoms. This has led to much speculation, conjecture and misinformation in the national media and consequently within our community. While many of these individuals and organizations may have the best of intentions, our District and community need to ensure we are receiving sound advice from highly qualified professionals, void of self-interest.


From the outset, the School District has been coordinating with the Genesee County Health Department, the New York State Department of Health, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 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. Be assured that we will continue to work with these organizations to complete a thorough review of the matter. We know that our affected students and parents will work with their own private health care professionals and we will continue to support them in their recoveries.


We also want to assure all parents that the Board, administration, teachers, staff and I have not lost sight that we have a responsibility to all of our 1286 students who are still trying to focus and work hard to prepare themselves for the next step in their advancement, whether it is progressing to the next grade, admission to the college of their choice, or pursuing their chosen vocation. The medical professionals have been clear that the best thing we can do as a district and community for the wellbeing of all our students is to provide an emotionally stable environment and normalcy to their daily lives. Our staff has been working hard to do so and will continue their good work with our students every day.


In closing, we are aware of the many views and theories that individuals have brought forward as the root cause of the symptoms. We implore the media and others to be mindful that speculation and accusations without facts or in-depth medical and scientific knowledge is harmful and disruptive to the emotional wellbeing of our students. It can negatively impact the ability of the professionals who are dealing directly with the issue and working hard to gain a clear understanding of the situation to expedite the process and restore the health of our affected students.


Kim M. Cox

Superintendent of Schools