Schools

Auto Shop at SCHS Contaminated with Dust, Lead

Students are sent to another classroom so a $75,000 clean-up effort can begin.

Students in San Clemente High School’s acclaimed Auto Academy have temporarily lost access to their classroom because it is contaminated with dust containing lead, the Capistrano Unified School District has confirmed.

“The auto shop did have an accumulation of dust that was of concern. Samples were taken and low levels of lead were found to be contained in those samples,” said Marcus Walton, chief communications officer with the school district.

A clean-up crew has been hired, Walton said. The efforts will take 10-15 days and cost upwards of $75,000.

Find out what's happening in San Clementewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Students are in an alternate classroom with a substitute teacher and will have experts from the automotive industry speak to them during that time,” Walton said.

Just a few days into the school year, the academy’s director, James Dunlap, resigned his position, the Orange County Register reported.

Find out what's happening in San Clementewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch will have more updates as they become available.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here