Further investigation of ongoing health-related symptoms among students and staff at Elm Street School has prompted the Western School Board to close the school until further air quality testing can be done.
“Following a discussion with the Chief Health office and Environmental Health, we have decided to do an extensive remediation and clean-up of the affected rooms,” said Dale Sabean, Superintendent of the Western School Board. “As well, we will continue consultation with an environmental specialist on doing further testing for mould or investigating for other possible causes of these symptoms.”
The Western School Board has decided to close Elm Street School to allow time for the environmental specialist to make recommendations on next steps and do the initial clean-up work. The school will be closed as of Monday, November 1, and will remain closed until the necessary work has been completed.
“The School Board will be identifying alternative classroom spaces for the 500 plus students and staff in the Summerside area in the event the closure lasts for more than two weeks. We understand the impact this will have on our families and we are committed to provide a solution as quickly as possible.” said Mr. Sabean.
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is working closely with the Western School board to ensure that the health and safety of the students and staff remain a priority during this time. The department is committed to helping the School Board in any way possible to find the cause and a solution to the air quality issues at Elm Street School.
For more information, contact Dale Sabean, Superintendent of the Western School Board, 888-8403.