Test results from a bathroom at Mahoning Elementary School recently showed an increased level of lead, according to a state Department of Environmental Protection report.

According to Lehighton Area School District officials, the bathroom hasn't been in use in over 10 years, but it is still taking the necessary precautions."We immediately closed the single restroom and began the process with DEP and took additional samples throughout the building," Superintendent Jonathan Cleaver said Friday."All other samples came back negative and at no time was any student using the hand wash sink in question. According to the building principal, that bathroom has not been in use by students since he has been the principal, which has been 11 years."Lehighton has been testing the water in all district schools in accordance with DEP guidelines.Last year, district officials said East Penn Elementary, Mahoning Elementary and a field house in the lower lot of the middle school were tested on a monthly basis because they were serviced by wells."The district," Cleaver said, "takes very seriously the health, safety, and welfare of our students, staff and the overall community."Parents were notified of the test results through a letter and the bathroom in question remains closed."We are confident that this was an isolated case, but will continue to monitor and test the water as required from DEP," Cleaver said.