Sir John A. Macdonald High School Evaluation Report

The Department of Education released the evaluation report on Sir John A. Macdonald High School today, May 28. The two-volume report is the result of an environmental assessment that began in February.

The report contains input from the school's staff and its joint occupational health and safety committee, Halifax Regional School Board staff, the communities served by Sir John A. Macdonald school, the departments of Education and Transportation and Public Works, and several specialist consultants.

"There is a lot of valuable information here for us to consider," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "We're reviewing the report now and we will look at all options and consult with each of our stakeholders before we decide how to proceed."

The evaluation examined the school and site to determine the source of numerous problems and complaints that have been documented over the last few years. During the process, the scope of the project was significantly increased to accommodate new information.

The major findings of the report are listed below.

On the school site, there are localized areas where the soil contains petroleum, mostly related to a former bus garage and sewer outfall. The report notes that these can be cleaned up. No PCBs were detected on the property.

Water tests showed levels of lead-210 in excess of Health Canada guidelines. The report notes that treatment will be required for this as well as to improve the aesthetics of the water. The chemical and bacteriological levels in the water were acceptable.

Mold was found in several areas of the school, but was not extensive. Mold was discovered in the exterior wall beneath the exterior brick. The mold and the water source causing it can be removed in a renovation.

Ventilation was inadequate in several areas. In particular, the report says that some of the boiler gas was being recirculated in the ventilation system. Extensive changes and upgrades are needed. The report notes that the sewage treatment plant requires upgrades and/or replacement and recommends a new outfall.

The report found that the school lacks many of the program spaces and the classroom sizes that would normally support current high school programming.

The report noted that numerous code and upgrade requirements should be accommodated in any repair of the building.

Volume one of the report is available online on the Department of Education Web site, www.ednet.ns.ca . The second volume is an appendix of technical reports submitted by the consultants. The findings of those reports are summarized in volume one.