Safety concerns at Ancaster High School

There is new information tonight about Ancaster High School that’s been lining its halls and classrooms with dozens of buckets and tarps in an attempt to deal with a roof leak.

The superintendent of the board did not allow us inside, first saying that we couldn’t go in during school hours, and then saying we couldn’t go in after school was over because work was going to be done inside right after the last bell and we were not permitted in. The Ministry of Labour toured the school today, and although there is brown water pouring from the ceiling and classrooms closed because of asbestos, the ministry has deemed it safe.

The president of the union representing teachers says staff are concerned about the condition of the school.

“I’m not in a position where I can shut down a school. I am in a position where I can contact the Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Labour is able to assess the situation”

Although the ministry has passed the school, the teachers union rep says health inspectors are constantly monitoring the situation in case anything changes.

“Public Health has also been monitoring the situation looking at both asbestos and mold concerns. They are monitoring that daily”

The board says the roof was slated for repairs this year, but the leakage became significantly worse over the last few weeks.

After our story first aired last night, the superintendent says he’s been flooded with concerns from parents.

“I think parents are concerned. And hearing from their kids what the condition of the school is, having to walk around certain areas of the building and some classrooms being closed. They are rightly concerned.”

Today there were workers on the roof.

The superintendent says this warmer, dry weather means temporary fixes are going ahead.

“They are able to apply a little bit of patch work on the roof. This crew is going to be here through the weekend and do the best they can to stop any more water from coming in”

And permanent repairs are scheduled for this summer.

The board says there is asbestos in some areas of the building. Seven classrooms have been closed off because of asbestos and leaking ceilings. The board, as well as the ministry, say the building is safe for students and staff.