Board approves emergency remediation at Buena Vista Horace Mann after lead in soil tests; community urges wider testing

The San Francisco Board of Education voted Dec. 13 to authorize an emergency declaration and delegate authority to the superintendent to contract for excavation and replacement of contaminated soils at Buena Vista Horace Mann (BVHM), after district testing discovered lead in soil and some water fixtures.

Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne told the board the district is responding by fencing off impacted areas, providing bottled water, collaborating with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and public-health partners, and seeking to complete remediation over winter break. “We found some lead in the soil, and so we’ve been responding by fencing off the area, providing bottled water, collaborating with the health department, and implementing additional testing,” he said.

Facilities staff said the emergency delegation is needed to bypass usual procurement timelines so crews can work during winter break and minimize classroom disruption. The motion authorizes the superintendent to enter into no‑bid emergency contracts necessary to expedite excavation and replacement.

Public commenters pressed the district to test garden areas, play yards and water fixtures at other schools, not only BVHM. A parent and former BVHM staffer described taping off fountains and said, “although I am a practical person... the act of bagging up the water fountains in front of the kindergartners ... really got to me. This is unacceptable for any school site.” Another speaker asked what oversight will ensure accurate contractor reporting on remediation work, given past problems.

District staff explained differences between soil contamination (often legacy environmental lead from historic sources) and water contamination (which frequently stems from fixtures or in‑building plumbing). They said SFPUC and outside industrial hygiene consultants are conducting focused lead tests on water and soil and that fixtures that test high can be replaced and flushed as a remedy. The board approved the emergency remediation authorization by roll call vote.

Board members and the superintendent said the district will provide updates on remediation progress and test results and will pursue additional testing where concerns are raised; community members asked for a schedule and independent verification of contractor performance.

This action follows earlier public pressure, union and parent appeals and a citywide discussion about district facilities and deferred maintenance.