The Near North District School Board says major construction work on six affected hexpod classrooms at Parry Sound High School is complete, with students targeted to return by the end of next week. In a letter to parents on Oct. 7, CEO Jay MacJanet and Supervisor Rebecca Bell said remaining steps include cleaning, moving furniture and equipment and completing technology set-up. The timeline depends on the spaces being fully ready and meeting all safety requirements. “We’re getting close. The major construction work on the six affected hexpods is now complete, including the flooring, insulation and exterior work,” the board wrote in the letter. “Families will be kept informed as the finishing touches are completed and the move-in schedule is confirmed,” the board added. Soft spots discovered, moisture and mould found within the pods The board said it became aware of soft spots in the flooring of some hexpods on Sept. 24, when it also noted the possibility of surface mould. Following further investigation, mould was identified within portions of the floorboards and all seven hexpods were taken out of service. In an update on Sept. 30, the board said a third-party environmental consultant determined six of the seven hexpods were affected by water infiltration beneath the flooring system. Evidence of moisture-related deterioration and mould growth was identified within the building materials in all six affected units. The board added that the seventh hexpod, constructed on-site by the board’s current contractor, was not impacted and the school’s newest portable, supplied by a different manufacturer, was also unaffected. All flooring assemblies were removed, including subfloor materials, vapour barriers and insulation. According to the board, air quality testing confirmed acceptable air quality and environmental air clearance was provided. Contractors then began rebuilding the six hexpods. Grade 7-8 students have been relocated to alternate learning spaces within the school and the currently unoccupied child-care space. Elementary and secondary access The board has also addressed concerns about movement between the elementary and secondary areas of the school. In a letter on Oct. 2, the board stated the doors connecting the two areas cannot be locked due to building and fire code requirements. The doors support a safe and clearly defined separation during the school day while allowing for use during emergencies, supervised transitions and other approved school activities, the board said. Clear floor and overhead signage is being designed to further identify the transition between the two areas, the board added. Playground, track and connectivity The Oct. 7 letter said the new playground is taking shape, with installation underway and landscaping continuing. “The playground is already generating excitement at the school and we look forward to students being able to make full use of the space,” the board wrote. The track is available for use, with temporary lines expected early next week, weather permitting. The board said the field will need another week or so for the grass to knit and full completion of the track remains on schedule for the spring. Wi-Fi is now working in all areas of the building and the board said that the IT team is continuing to work on cellular service. “The focus remains on getting these final pieces in place so students can return to hexpods that are safe, ready for learning and properly set up,” said board officials in the letter. The board said it will provide another update on Oct. 14.
