The findings of an environmental study have given the all clear for classes to resume at the Lester Vaughn Secondary School in St. Thomas but a final decision is to be made today after an inspection by officials of the Ministry of Health.
This has been disclosed by Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, who provided at update on the Lester Vaughn situation during St. Thomas Speaks, the latest in government’s series of public town hall sessions which was held last evening at the Sharon Moravian Church Hall.
Face to face classes at the school have been suspended for several weeks after teachers repeatedly complained of noxious odours making them feel unwell.
Dr. Archer-Bradshaw told the audience that various reports indicated the problem dated back to 2018 and industrial cleaning and renovations were undertaken.
But the most recent complaint was about the smell of sewage which resulted in an external company being brought in to conduct a smoke test which identified leaks which were then fixed.
However, when classes resumed last month the teachers again complained of feeling unwell and classes were moved online while 4th and 5th form students preparing for CXC practical exams were accommodated at other schools.
In the meantime, an air quality test was done, the favourable results of which came back this week.
Dr. Archer-Bradshaw says the results have been shared with the teachers and will be shared with the parents tonight.
She explained the reason for the ministry of health inspection that’s taking place today,
Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw.
