Local preschool closed by the state due to lead may reopen soon

Following the temporary closure of Brilliant Minds Academy, the preschool cleaned up the affected areas. On May 11 the preschool was temporarily closed due to lead exposure in the soil and paint.

According to the Kern County Health Department, local officials have inspected the preschool and say the lead is now in the acceptable range.

The preschool, as reported in early May, was found to have lead levels in paint and soil that were well above the regulatory standards.

At the time, Kern County Public Health officials said that the California Department of Social Services were responsible for cleaning up the lead, however Social Services denied responsibility.

According to Michelle Corson with Kern Public Health, the department has informed the state of the updated assessment and said that it is "up to the state and school at this point."

The school said in a post on their website they are now awaiting approval from licensing to reopen.