REGINA – A group of rural Saskatchewan parents say their children’s school is such poor shape, it’s a danger to their health.
Four parents travelled from Esterhazy to the Saskatchewan legislature Monday, demanding to know when P.J. Gillen School will be repaired.
They said examples at P.J. Gillen, a K-5 school, include torn-up flooring and water fountains that are unsafe to drink from.
“Putting my kids at risk, it upsets me.”
When the province still maintained a full priority list for repairs, the school was second in line. When it was deemed unsafe to occupy in 2012, the Good Spirit School division sealed off ventilation ducts to prevent mould from contaminating classrooms – therefore keeping the school open.
This resulted in P.J. Gillen repairs dropping to number 99 on the priority list, parents said.
Air quality issues
Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels measured in January show some rooms of the school exceed 4,000 PPM, likely because there’s no ventilation. The Sunrise Health Region said concentrations that high can cause drowsiness and lethargy.
Indoor CO2 concentrations should be kept below 1,000 PPM, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning. Outdoor readings typically range from 100 to 400.
“Our kids should not have to be in an environment like this,” said Connie Neyedly, who has three children at P.J. Gillen. “Putting my kids at risk, it upsets me.”
Cold classrooms
Classroom temperatures in January measured as low as 14 degrees during school hours. In a letter to parents, the Good Spirit School Division said staff were asked to open windows as often as possible to bring in fresh air. Students and staff were encouraged to “dress with layers” in order to stay warm.
“How many days are you going to go to work, put on a jacket, and work at the computer? It’s not going to work,” said Niel Knezacek, whose child is in grade three. “Why do we expect a five year old to do the same?”
The state of disrepair in rural schools was raised at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) convention in February. Jaime Rieger, a mother, said P.J. Gillen students are also learning under a leaky roof.
“When it’s raining outside, it’s raining inside,” Rieger told Education Minister Don Morgan during an open forum at the SUMA convention.
The Opposition NDP raised the issue in Monday’s question period.
“They’re not outrageous, luxury items. This is basic, fundamental stuff,” said NDP leader Cam Broten. “Does the heating work? Is the air good to breathe so the kids can learn well?”
New ventilation units
Following question period, Morgan told reporters the government will provide $800,000 to the school division to purchase ‘decentralized ventilation units’, which are similar to wall-mounted heating and air conditioning units. According to Morgan, Good Spirit will cover the remaining cost with reserve funds.
“It will provide fresh air, it won’t require windows to be open,” he said, calling it a ‘permanent’ solution. Full replacement of the heating and vent system has been pegged at more than $4 million in the past.
After hearing the news, parents still considered it more of a ‘bandaid’.
“If you’re going to do the heating systems, you might as well do a proper upgrade,” Neyedly said.
Installation of the new system is expected for the 2015-16 school year.
SEE BELOW: Sunrise Health Region report on CO2 concentration at P.J. Gillen School (highlighted by NDP)
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