"While government and the Eastern School District originally stated that Persalvic Elementary would only close for a short period of time, it now appears that further delays will keep the school closed indefinitely," said Mr. Sweeney. "I have been advised that more work than expected will have to be completed on the school and a new tender process will have to be announced to award another contract for the additional work.

"The students of Persalvic are currently being sent to other schools all over Conception Bay North. These schools are not prepared to handle the increased number of students. Earlier this month, I suggested that the school board delay the decision to close St. Joseph’s in Carbonear to relieve the pressure on the school system in the area. This was dismissed and we now find ourselves in this unfortunate situation for a longer period of time.

"The Department of Transportation and Works must now issue a new Call for Tenders for this additional work. I encourage the minister and the school board to work together to ensure that this process is done in a timely fashion and the work begins as soon as possible. We need this school reopened before winter so that this bad situation does not get any worse."