Demolition finds more mould at WHMS 


Parents and students of West Hants Middle School (WHMS) were recently told their school will reopen in April as planned, despite the fact renovations will be more extensive than originally planned because recent demolition uncovered more mould and asbestos in several locations inside the school. The update was provided on the school’s website earlier this month by principal Mike Landry, who leads the school’s renovation steering committee.

Committee members attend renovation meetings at the school every two weeks. They also co-ordinate a communications tree, to provide information to parents and students.

Margo Tait, Annapolis Valley Regional School Board (AVRSB) superintendent, says all of the mould and asbestos has now been removed and it was all encased. “We also tested for mould in the air and found levels inside were the same as the air outside,” she adds. “But we are taking measures to have it assessed as to the type of mould it is and what the implications for health risks might be based on that assessment,” Tait says. She expects the AVRSB will have these results in about two weeks.

Over the course of renovations last year, several students complained of headaches, sore throats and nosebleeds. Some teachers refused to return to work, citing an unhealthy work place. Last June, the AVRSB shut the school down.

At that time, Bill Louch, an environmental health and safety consultant AVRSB hired, said it was the dust from ongoing renovations that made so many people ill. "Ventilation systems were being installed and old ventilation systems were shut down and so we're left with a situation where there was no ventilation at a time when people in the next room are hammering and sawing and making gyprock dust."

More renovations

That assessment has not changed; however, the school board says it is committed to address all recommendations they have received from various consultants since to ensure the school is a high quality environment for children and teachers to return.

In addition to the removal of the mould and asbestos, underground pipes have been replaced. A number of windows throughout the building will also be replaced, making a noticeable change to the look of the building from the outside. A new synthetic gym floor will be installed, as well as some new technology resources, furnishings and cosmetic touches.

Dan Harrison, a Department of Education spokesperson, confirms that, despite additional renovations, the work will not cause further delays to the project. Harrison also says taxpayers are getting a better deal with extensive renovations as opposed to building a new school. “By the time it is finished, it will seem like a new school, but for a third of the cost.”

The Department of Education has allocated $3.35 million for the renovations and upgrades from the beginning of the school year in September through to re-opening. A total figure on all construction to date was not available by press time, nor a specific date for re-opening. Tait expects split shifts at Avon View will continue until at least mid-April. “We know the situation is not ideal and any prolonged wait to return to the school is not what we wished to have happen,” Tait says. “We’re pleased with the co-operation of parents and students, and the staff who are working very hard to ensure the students still receive a quality education experience.”

Home and school okay with progress

Roseanne Boyd, president of the WHMS home and school association, now has children in both morning and afternoon shifts at Avon View. Despite many frustrations when the school was first shut down, she says the arrangement is going well. “Sure, it took some getting used to, but I haven’t heard any major complaints. Some kids are missing out on extra curricular activities here and there in the scheduling, and buses to get to some events are hard to come by, but, all considered, I think everyone is coping really well.” Boyd adds students are making better use of King’s Transit to travel to their activities in cases where parents aren’t able to drive them. “Parents know it’s not the best situation for anyone – the children, the teachers or the bus drivers. But if we can’t make the best of it together, how can we make the best of it for our kids?”
Boyd says she is more comfortable with how AVRSB has been handling the situation during this school year compared with the last one. “I’m very pleased with the steering committee and happy I can get my updates regularly. I’m sure there is stuff they’re not telling us, not so much to hide it from us, but so that it doesn’t get blown out of proportion and I can appreciate that.”

“But at the same time, I do want parents to come to our meetings and tell me if they have any concerns, because if they do, we need to address them.” WHMS home and school meetings are held at Avon View High on the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m.