In 1979, the production of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) was banned in the United States. 15 years later, in 1994, Greater Albany Public Schools made it a district-wide project to remove all PCBs from its schools. In 2005, however, PCBs were found in West Albany after they were allegedly removed in 1994.

     “They did find a few places, closets, … [and a] couple of portables where [PCBs] still existed in 2005,” said Superintendent Andy Gardner at the May 19th GAPS board meeting. 

     “In October, we did have a former West Albany staff member who passed away this fall,” said Gardner.

     The passing of our business teacher, Joey Running, which seemed to correlate to PCBs at the time, left many teachers wondering: Are we safe?

     So what exactly are PCBs? Polychlorinated Biphenyls are a group of organic chemicals that contain Carbon, Hydrogen, and Chlorine atoms. Being exposed to PCBs, especially for long periods of time, can cause skin problems as well as an increased risk of cancer.

     In 2025, the Oregon Education Association conducted tests for the use of PCBs at WAHS. Currently, the OEA refuses to share results. The district, seeing no reason to hide these results, continues to fight for answers during this time.