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Chatham

Mould confirmed in CK elementary school

Officials with the Lambton Kent District School Board say mould has been discovered at Merlin Area Public School.

Director of Education Jim Costello said the biggest concern is in the gymnasium.

"We've taken a number of measures to address the issue," Costello said. "We are sampling every week and we believe we have, to some extent, alleviated and improved the problem. We are increasing samples and will continue this week and next."

Costello said there haven't been any health problems reported in regard to the mould and suggested anyone with concerns see a physician. He added the school board has brought in Golder and Associates to help fix the issue.

"They are experts in air quality," Costello said. "We are looking at putting in some new ventilation and increased cleaning and custodial hours."

Costello said the school board hopes to have the problem fixed by Christmas. He added mould is something the LKDSB has dealt with before because of the humidity in the area, which plays a key part in the fungus' production.

Lambton Kent Elementary Teachers' Federation President Laurel Liddicoat Newton said the government needs to help out.

"We are still waiting on them to fix our schools," Newton said. "Many of our local politicians said they would fix our schools and they are not keeping up that pledge."

She added while mould isn't currently a big problem in the district, the government still needs to prioritize health and safety in schools. Newtown said it should start by correcting the heating and cooling problem. According to the LKDSB, roughly half of its schools don't have air conditioning. The school board has promised to address the issue at certain schools next summer.

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