‘If this school was not safe it would be shut already’: Haggie
Heated debate over conditions at Frank Roberts Junior High
During question period in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Progressive Conservative Education Critic Barry Petten asked Education Minister John Haggie if he would commit to “a full, independent structural and environmental assessment” of a Conception Bay South school.
Parents and students held a protest outside Frank Roberts Junior High in Foxtrap last week, citing concerns about mould, poor ventilation, crowded classrooms and rodents.
“I think I’ll start by saying if this school was not safe it would be shut already, and the students would be at home with virtual learning. That is, however, not the case. We have to deal with facts,” Haggie said.
“I would like to table the occupational health and safety report, the health inspector’s report and, for clarity, an attendance record for Frank Roberts Junior High, which shows it is amongst the highest of all junior high schools in the region for the month of May,” he said.
Saltwire obtained the tabled attendance record. It lists attendance rates for each day in May until May 18 for four schools. Their overall average attendance rates for the 14 days are:
• Frank Roberts (76.5 per cent — its average was affected by a 33.3 per cent attendance rate on the day of the protest, otherwise the average would have been 79.9 per cent)
• Brother Rice Junior High (78.3 per cent)
• St. Paul’s Junior High (78.9 per cent)
• St. Peter’s Junior High (82.9 per cent)
“Facts matter,” Haggie continued.
TRUST ISSUE
“The fact that the Member opposite does not trust these inspectors, the ones he stood up and cheered for during COVID who kept him safe, now they’re neither trustworthy, nor independent, nor reliable. Shameful,” Haggie said, pointing across the aisle at Petten.
The Liberal side of the House cheered and thumped their tables.
“The ‘minister of messes’ is saying shame on me,” retorted Petten.
“Just imagine the gall of this man to say shame on me. Shame on you, Minister. Shame on what you’re saying to the people of my district.”
Shouting ensued. Minister Gerry Byrne mocked Petten: “Shame on those facts,” he said. Speaker Derek Bennett called for order.
Petten reiterated his question. Haggie said the school “is old, but safe.” He said it needs “some work, and we’re doing it.”
Petten said the people of his district deserve better.
“What about the overcrowding in the classrooms?” Petten began counting the concerns on his fingers as he listed them.
“What about no cafeteria for 650 children? What about mice running wild? What about rats running wild? Answer those questions, Minister.”
Haggie said he visited the school Tuesday morning and spoke with the principal, vice-principal and a couple of teachers. He said there are mice in the building, which is common to large buildings this time of year, and the problem is being remediated. He said work on the cafeteria has begun, and will be finished over the summer.