During a Chignecto-Central Regional School Board in Truro last night, (May 1) board members discussed the ongoing odour concern at Highland Consolidated Middle School, which houses about 270 students in grades 7 and 8.
“We are gathering and processing data,” on what is causing the odour said the board’s superintendent Gary Clarke.
A section of the school’s roof is to be taken out to investigate the possibility of it being the source of the odour. A sewer pipe has resulted in a similar smell said board members.
The area’s board member Ron Marks said an answer needs to be found soon.
“I hope to have some kind of answer before the end of May. It’s real complicated because of the amount money to repair it and what has to be done to fix it,” said Marks.
The odour has been present in the school since before Christmas. “Minor” mould issues were found in three locations. Board members said it’s hard to pinpoint the origin because there have been different types of smells in different locations.
Consultants and the Department of Labour have been investigating the issue. The school board is looking at recommendations received in regard to air quality and building assessments.
Students and staff have been relocated to the Nova Scotia Community College in Stellarton and the school board said it will discuss with the NSCC the possibility of letting them stay at the NSCC for the remainder of the school year while college students are on work placements.
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