Protests expected over Norrell school opening - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Hundreds of pre-schoolers will be heading back to Norrell Elementary School Monday morning for the first time in six years. Some parents will be protesting out in front of the school as the morning begins.

These parents have major environmental concerns about this school.

Norrell Elementary is built on an old city landfill. It's been closed for the last six years because of methane gas issues, but the school board said an independent environmental consulting firm tested this site this summer and found it's now clear of any toxic gases. Still some of these parents aren't convinced the methane gas issues won't come back.

The school board said there's nowhere else to send these preschoolers while Martin Luther King Middle School is under construction.

Organizers are calling for a silent protest up and down the sidewalks. They say they don't want to frighten the kids coming to school there Monday. 

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