‘It’s not healthy or safe’: Parent concerned about pest problem at N.S. school

A Nova Scotia mother is concerned with a rodent infestation in her children’s school.

A mother of two doesn’t think enough is being done to curb a pest problem at her children’s elementary school in Amherst, N.S.

“My kids are coming home from school telling me they’re seeing mice poop on the floor in the bathroom and in their classrooms every day,” said Gillian Smooke. “It’s not healthy or safe.”

Smooke said one of her kids is even hearing mice moving around in the ceiling of Spring Street Academy.

“They’re trying to kind of say the issue is handled, but my kids are seeing mice poop in their school every day,” said Smooke.

Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education [CCRCE] spokesperson Jennifer Rodgers said the school has been taking steps to address a pest situation since early March.

In a statement to CTV News, Rodgers said the school has put a plan into place, which includes an increase in hours for custodial staff and working with an external exterminator.

“Since putting the plan into action, there has been a steady decline over the past month, with the weekend update showing no appearances in traps,” said Rodgers in the statement.

But Smooke doesn’t think enough is being done and she’s frustrated with what she said is a lack of response from the CCRCE and the administration at Spring Street Academy.

“I know that the school board said that if a fumigation was required it wouldn’t be done until the summer,” said Smooke. “That just doesn’t make sense to me. If it’s required, it’s required immediately.”

The kindergarten to Grade 6 school was built in 2005 and has an enrollment of around 400 students, according to its website.

Smooke has also reached out to the Nova Scotia Department of Labour for help.

Rodgers said the CCRCE is working with the province’s department of labour and has hired a third-party organization to conduct an assessment of the property.

“The school is now awaiting their final report and will quickly address any recommendations with it,” said Rodgers. “The school has been reaching out to families to share how the school and region are addressing the issue and welcome any questions throughout the process.”

Sarah MacNeil, a spokesperson for the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, confirmed to CTV News a complaint on the matter has been received and the department is engaged with both the school and the CCRCE.

“The Regional Centre is taking corrective actions and we are monitoring their progress to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure workplace safety,” said MacNeil in an email.

MacNeil is encouraging any parents or guardians with concerns to reach out the CCRCE directly.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page