Opportunities for Learning (OFL) Public Charter Schools is excited to announce they have recently successfully completed voluntary testing of the drinking water at all locations. The final results for all 35 OFL centers are within the acceptable limit for lead as established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In light of the growing national concern regarding lead levels in drinking water systems and in an effort to ensure that the drinking water provided to students and staff at centers is safe, OFL voluntarily began testing the drinking water at all locations last year. Testing included taking samples of drinking water at each location and having those samples evaluated by a state approved laboratory to ensure they met state and federal approved standards.

OFL operates centers in Fresno, High Desert, Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and Santa Clarita Valley. Founder John Hall commented, “The safety and welfare of our students and staff continue to be our highest priority so the testing results are very encouraging. Moving forward we will continue to test our existing sites as recommended, every 3-5 years, and implement a permanent plan for new proposed center locations/relocations to guarantee the water in our school sites meet EPA standards.”

California currently has no legal requirement to test water in schools. State Assemblymembers Blanca Rubio and Gonzalez Fletcher recently introduced legislation that would require testing and certified filters at all schools, ensuring all kids have access to lead-free drinking water.