Government remains deficient on school
inspections
Two recent
incidents prove that government’s inspection processes for schools is
not working and needs to be improved, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.
Jones raised the issue earlier today in the House of Assembly.
St.
Joseph’s school in Lamaline is the latest school in the province to
experience poor air quality and mould. Even though problems have been
highlighted with the air quality inspection process, government refuses to
bring forward an improved comprehensive program. In addition, the failure
of a fire alarm to sound this morning at Holy Heart High School again
raises questions as to whether fire inspection protocols are working to
protect students and teachers.
“We have
raised these issues for over a year and we again see how deficient
government has been in addressing inspection issues within our schools,”
said Ms. Jones. “Air quality and fire safety issues are a necessity to
ensuring healthy and safe schools for students and teachers. The current
process is not working effectively and problems are not being identified
in a timely manner.
“The fire
inspection protocols are being undertaken by school officials who are
often unqualified in fire safety training and simply complete a checklist.
The failure of a fire alarm to sound this morning indicates that problems
exist and the process is not working. The inspections should be more
comprehensive, completed by fire officials and the reports posted on the
internet for the public to see.
“Comprehensive air quality
tests should also be implemented to ensure all schools in the province are
tested and problems identified. If this type of testing was used, there is
a much better chance problems would be fixed before the school year even
begins. The current process is not working and we will see more schools
closed and students displaced unless changes are made.”
