Looking back, we've come a long way, but these conditions and others can still be found in our Province. We soon realized we had work to do on many levels if changes were to be significant, and last any longer than our own daily vigilance. Principals, teachers, custodians, board members, maintenance managers, officials of government departments, politicians, and other parents had to have their eyes opened as ours had been. More and more people are recognizing that clean air and a healthy environment are as important to learning as are a good curriculum and good teaching. There have been many improvements in Nova Scotia schools, but the struggle to provide safe, healthy places for school children is a daily one.
Many schools still have significant problems.
Some school boards are more proactive than others, and some staff and principals have more knowledge and commitment than others. The Nova Scotia Department of Education has been taking strong action to try to improve the situation. In another school, students and staff were removed far upwind while the principal sent the workers away. This is progress. Carpets are being routinely removed from schools.