School closed until mould test results arrive

The Gault Institute in Valleyfield was closed during March break while workers removed mould. It may be closed the rest of the year.

A Valleyfield school has been forced to close until at least Friday, and may be closed for the rest of the year.

The Gault Institute discovered mould inside part of the school three weeks ago, and workers spent last week removing the rot trapped behind walls.

They have not yet finished, and at a special meeting held Monday, members of the New Frontiers School Board said it doesn't really know when they will be allowed to bring children back into the building.

"We may have to close a section of the building. We may be able to keep it completely open," said Rob Buttars.

The school will remain closed to children this week, and on Friday the board expects to receive the results of air quality tests.

In the worst case scenario, students will not be allowed to return to the Gault Institute and will have to be bused to another school, the closest of which is 22 km away.

Quebec's public health board has the final say as to the safety of the school.

Parents want answers

Meanwhile parents are upset about what has happened, with some saying they noticed mould-related problems in the 2011-2012 academic year, problems which cleared up when the children were not in class.

"During the march break and during the whole summer she was all okay," said Steve Savoie about his daughter's health issues.

Kimberly Bouchard was upset she only learned about mould problems a few weeks ago.

"I didn't even know there was a problem with mould until a notice was brought home," she said.

Parents were given a full explanation of the problems Monday night, at a meeting that was closed to the media.

Now everyone is waiting to see if the work that has already been done is enough, or if their children will finish their school year somewhere other than where it began.