Second Status Update for Sir John A. Macdonald High School

EDUCATION--CXN--Second Status Update for Sir John A. Macdonald High School

The second summary report on the testing of the grounds and building of Sir John A. Macdonald High School was released today, April 16.

The reports update the status of the extensive testing being conducted. The Department of Education is working with Halifax Regional School Board, the Sir John A. Macdonald school staff and the school advisory council to prepare the final report and recommendations, which are expected in late April or early May.

"The assessment is remarkably thorough, as the community, the school board and the province expected it to be," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "We have excellent information now, but it's still too early to draw conclusions. The results will be in the final report."

The update discusses the environmental site assessment, mycology (the study of mould), and indoor air quality and the building structure -- the key areas of focus since the first update. Included were an inspection of the school's interior wall cavity, a microbiological inspection of the school's interior and an investigation and sampling of surface and sub-surface soils.

The team evaluating the facility includes the staff of the departments of Education and Transportation and Public Works and consultants. O'Halloran Campbell Consultants Limited are co-ordinating the work, which includes a comprehensive evaluation of the school building and the site.

"We are working closely with the Department of Education and consultants," said Stu Gourley, vice-chair of the Sir John A. Macdonald school advisory council. "We feel confident that the intensity of the investigation and the amount of detailed information gathered will lead to a comprehensive solution that will satisfy the educational program and environmental safety needs of the Sir John A. students, staff and community."

Sir John A. Macdonald students are attending classes at C.P. Allen High School on a split-shift basis with C.P. Allen students while the assessment continues. The Halifax Regional School Board closed the school on Feb. 26.

The first status update was released on March 21. The assessment updates are available online at www.sja.ednet.ns.ca or the Department of Education Web site, at www.ednet.ns.ca .