The Lester Vaughan Secondary School in St. Thomas has been cleared to reopen its doors to students, teachers and staff, as of Monday, April 8th.
A statement from the Ministry of Education says that after reviewing the reports and consultation, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of the Environment found no evidence to require the continued closure of the school.
It notes that at a meeting with parents last Friday, education, health, and environmental officials and an air quality expert presented a report on the findings of an environmental study conducted at the school.
The Ministry says the report revealed that there were no emissions at the plant, and all volatile organic compound levels were below the threshold for safety.
The statement adds that after analysing the reports for the smoke test and the air quality, followed by a tour of the plant, both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Environment are satisfied that the plant can be reopened, and will continue working with the Ministry of Education to examine the wider environment outside of the school.
Therefore, having been furnished with the results of two independent reports, having received the assurances of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Environment, and having consulted with trade unions, teachers and parents, the Ministry of Education is satisfied that the school can be reopened to allow for in-person teaching which also allows students to continue to prepare for their external exams.
