Moncton High School - Temporary Closure

Temporary Closure

Before it became a heritage property, the government proposed closing the school, and constructing a new facility named MacNaughton High School that would rival the size and population of Fredericton High School. Due to political pressure, however, the school underwent major renovations including asbestos removal. MHS held the record for the largest number of students in the city for numerous years. Following repeated calls for renovation and upkeep funds by the District Education Council (DEC), Moncton High School was closed in late September 2010 due to corroded structural columns. During the first week of October numerous teachers complained that the air in the school was making them sick. While testing the air quality on October 7 went on, other workers checked behind walls for any other damage. In doing so, they noticed water damage in many rooms throughout the school, however the air quality was deemed safe, although due to the amount of damage, Karen Branscombe, School District 2 Superintendent, announced on October 8, 2010 that MHS would temporarily be closed. Students were separated according to grade and split into two different schools. The school reopened in September 2011, having undergone $2 million in repairs.