A staff member at a school in Moncton, N.B., has filed a complaint with WorkSafeNB about working conditions inside the building. A spokesperson for WorkSafeNB confirmed to CTV News the complaint involves dead mice and rats inside the building as well as some staff and some student washrooms out of order at Bessborough School. That was news to Brandon LeBlanc who was picking up his kids after school on Wednesday. “I am a little bit concerned about it,” said LeBlanc. “My youngest literally just told me that she's seen the vice-principal take out two dead rats and throw them out. “So, obviously there is an issue in the school and obviously they are aware of it if they've already taken care of two dead ones. So, I'm actually a little concerned why they didn't tell us anything, or why we don't know about it.” Laragh Dooley, the executive director of corporate communications for WorkSafeNB, said in an email they are following up on the complaint. Connie Keating, the co-president of the New Brunswick Teacher's Federation, said they are also aware of the situation at the Anglophone East School District facility. “It is the district’s responsibility to ensure that teachers’ and students’ learning and working environments are safe and respect health guidelines and policies," Keating said, in an email. Anglophone East spokesperson Stephanie Patterson wouldn't confirm if a complaint has been made or not, citing the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. "Our Facilities Team works with schools to address any building issues that require attention to keep schools safe for students and staff," said Patterson, in an email. Patterson did issue a general statement about the situation at the school. "Whenever there is a concern regarding rodent issues at any of our buildings, a third-party professional company is hired to eliminate the problem,” said Patterson, in an email. Bessborough is a K-8 school located in Moncton's west end. According to its website, the 64-year-old school has 589 students and a staff of 54 people. A pest control expert says it's common for rodents to find their way into large, old buildings this time of the year and they are a health risk. Kristen Love, quality assurance manager with Orkin Pest Control in Moncton, said rodent droppings can cause issues because mice and rats are known to carry different diseases. “Depending on the type of rodent there are some airborne illnesses that can come from breathing in debris from rodent droppings,” said Love. “They just spread diseases. Anything they walk through they can be putting on touch surfaces. Any type of debris that can be on their skin can be dropped anywhere. So you never really know what that rodent's come in contact with and what it's leaving behind.” The school was slated for closure next year to make room for a new facility adjacent to Bernice MacNaughton High School. Patterson said the district and the district education council requested they retain control of Bessborough for the next ten years. The request was made to alleviate ongoing enrollment pressures in the city. In September 2024, Bessborough will be converted to a K-5 school when the new middle school opens. For the latest New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
