Minister Assures Labrador School Issues will be Addressed

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, affirmed in the House of Assembly today that the Provincial Government is committed to providing a safe and comfortable learning environment for students and staff at William Gillett Academy in Charlottetown, Labrador.

“The safety of our students will not be compromised in any way,” said Minister Jackman. “That comes first and foremost. This is about identifying what exactly the problem is, and then putting the solution in place.”

Minister Jackman noted the Western School District engaged an independent consultant, who carried out testing at the school last week. Preliminary results showed elevated levels of mould found in some areas. This prompted subsequent investigation and testing, which was conducted this week. The school district is now awaiting the consultant’s interim report on the results of both tests.

“When the report comes back, those results will be provided to the school community,” Minister Jackman said. “I would ask the school community to cooperate with us. We will find our way through this, and there will be a facility that these students will return to that will be safe.”

The Western School Board has a replacement for William Gillett Academy on its list of school infrastructure priorities. The consultant’s report on the testing results, and a thorough assessment of the building, will help the elected board and the Provincial Government determine next steps.

As part of Budget 2011 provisions for school infrastructure, a $500,000 project was approved earlier this year to replace the roof, windows and siding at William Gillett Academy.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca 

2012 03 13             5:05 p.m.