Rally for a new Frank Roberts gains steam
By Mark Squibb \ May 26, 2023
It was anything but routine for families of Frank Roberts Junior High School last Thursday morning as parents and students gathered outside of the school for a planned protest.
Parents say they are concerned about a number of issues at the 54-year-old school, including poor air quality, lack of ventilation, mold, mildew, overcrowding, and rodents.
“We need to improve conditions for current students, and get a new school for future students on the agenda,” said Carla Dyke, one of many parents who attended the rally. “There are immediate concerns which need to be addressed, such as the ventilation and air quality, as well as issues with rodents, the mice and rats.”
She added the lack of a proper science lab and a home economics space, as well as the small gymnasium are issues that can be addressed at a later date.
“But right now, we need to make sure the school is safe for our children,” said Dyke.
CBS Mayor Darrin Bent was on scene and took in the protest from the sideline.
“The Town of Conception Bay South and council support the concerns raised here by parents about the conditions at Frank Roberts Junior High and their call for a review to get a new school for this area,” said Bent. “This school has served its purpose; it’s done its time. And we support their call for a full review of the school with an eye to replace it. And we also support their call for immediate work to bring the school to a standard that gives these students the best opportunity to learn in a safe and suitable environment.”
Bent noted that other schools within CBS may also be at capacity and could be reviewed as well.
“We are one of the fastest growing towns in Atlantic Canada, and some of our schools are at capacity, and maybe even beyond, and we’re not sure that there’s not a need for a new school or two, so we’re looking for a full review of schools in Conception Bay South as well as an immediate response to Frank Roberts Junior High,” he said.
Conception Bay South MHA Barry Petten, who has been vocal about conditions at the school and is calling on government to support an independent review of the facility, said it was great to see parents at the rally.
“Government is telling everyone that there’s nothing to see here,” said Petten, addressing the crowd. “I think it’s time for government to get the planning in place for a new building and do immediate remediation because it will take several years to get to that time.”