Rumors of safety concerns at Woodstock Middle School

The Shiretown Blogger learned through the CJ 104 radio website that there were recent rumours that Woodstock Middle School was unsafe. A parent recently brought it to the radio station's attention that "she heard on good authority that the local middle school isn't safe for students and staff." School District 14 representatives have denied any safety issues with the school.

District 14's Director of Administrative Services Shawn Tracey told CJ 104 that there are many repairs in need of completion within the next year, but nothing that would affect the safety of students and staff in the short-term. The projects consist of minor repairs and aesthetic work. It will either be contracted out or carried out by the district's maintenance staff.

The piping has been deemed adequate and the flooring has been deemed structurally sound on every level of the 58-year-old structure. The rumours may have began when a structural engineer was called in to examine the gymnasium floor and consider the possibility of installing volleyball posts.

It would not be any secret if the aging Woodstock Middle School is deemed unsafe at any time. The educational facility would close, and students would be relocated to an alternate location. The district says the middle school will be properly maintained until its closure to make way for one of the two rumoured kindergarten to grade 8 schools in the Woodstock area.