River Valley High School and Middle School stand on the former site of the US Army's Marion Engineering Depot, part of which served as a dumping ground in the 1950s. In 1990, community members formed a group in response to alarming rates of leukemia and rare cancers among former students. Their efforts led to an investigation that revealed widespread campus contamination. Today, no one may exit back doors of the middle school or access several playing fields. Parents want the schools closed and new facilities built in a safe area. Recently a bond issue passed to fund a new school, but students remain on the contaminated site until completion.