The man accused of neglecting to properly monitor lead levels in Tacoma Public Schools says he wants his job back and his name cleared.
Ken Wilson was Tacoma Public School’s safety and environmental health manager. He was fired last month after he brought to the district’s attention test results that showed high levels of lead at more than a dozen locations.
Lead levels at Reed Elementary were 150 times over federal limits. So far, the district has replaced more than 300 fixtures.
The information had been available for almost a year, but Wilson’s attorneys say he did not see those lead testing results until this past April. At that time, they say he notified the district immediately.
In a formal appeal filed in Pierce County Superior Court, Wilson’s attorneys argue that one of the reasons their client failed to see last year’s lead reports was because the district overloaded him with work. The court documents criticize the district for releasing photos of Wilson in connection with the negative publicity.
Tacoma School District officials declined a request for an interview, saying they cannot comment on personnel matters.