For the 2016-2017 school year, the Evergreen Elementary crawl space remediation was prioritized by the Wild Rose School Division Board of Trustees as our main capital project. Structural deterioration and indoor air quality were identified as a concern if the moisture conditions of the crawl space under the school were not permanently addressed. As part of the project plan, WRSD, in coordination with Alberta Education and Alberta Infrastructure, retained a third-party consultant to assess the structural condition of the school. In particular, their focus was on areas located above the crawlspace.

On November 14, 2016 the structural consultant conducted the required testing at the school site. The testing included visual observations in the crawlspace and the school building. On November 21, 2016 the structural consultant provided their findings to WRSD, Alberta Education and Alberta Infrastructure. Based on these findings a precautionary measure was put in place to immediately relocate one grade 6 classroom on Wednesday November 23. Four more grade 4 and 5 classrooms on the east side of the building will be relocated on Thursday November 24 until repairs and remediation are complete. These repairs are estimated to be for the duration of this school year and into the next.

“Obviously, relocating five classrooms within a couple of days is a difficult task and not something we were hoping would result from these tests,” stated Evergreen Elementary Principal, Scott Kupsch. “While this will be challenging, I am confident that our staff will make things work until we can come up with a permanent solution.”

As part of the project plan, air quality testing will be conducted on November 25, 2016. The previous test held on August 23, 2016 resulted in acceptable mold and air quality levels. Air quality tests have been held on a quarterly basis annually for six years and have always shown safe results.

“When our Board decided to prioritize the Evergreen Elementary repairs we were hopeful that this process would not interfere with the daily operations of the school,” stated Superintendent Brad Volkman. “However, based on the consultant's results, our plan must now change in order to ensure all of our staff and students have a safe learning environment.”

Moving forward WRSD will work with all of our Drayton Valley administration to find a solution that provides the relocated students with a healthy learning environment for the rest of the 2016-2017 school year. The results of the testing and planned construction steps will be communicated as this situation unfolds. An information meeting is being scheduled for November 30, at 7:00 pm in Evergreen School.