Comprehensive Update on Hex Pods at Parry Sound High School

September 30, 2026

Dear Families,

Thank you for your patience and support as we continue to address issues identified within the hex pod classrooms at Parry Sound High School. We understand families have questions regarding the repair work underway and several operational matters related to the school. We would like to provide an update on the work completed to date and the steps ahead.

Hex Pod Investigation and Findings

Following reports of soft spots in the flooring, the Board engaged qualified contractors and a third-party environmental consultant to conduct a detailed assessment of all hex pod classrooms.

The investigation determined that six of the seven hex pods were affected by water infiltration beneath the flooring system. When the flooring was opened for inspection, evidence of moisture-related deterioration and mould growth was identified within the building materials in all six affected hex pods.

The seventh hex pod, which was constructed and installed on-site by the Board’s current contractor, was not impacted by these issues. The school’s newest portable classroom, supplied by a different manufacturer, was also unaffected.

As a precautionary measure, all seven hex pods were taken out of service while inspections, testing, and repair work continue. The spaces will remain closed until all work is complete and the necessary approvals have been received.

Repair Progress

To allow for a thorough repair process, all flooring assemblies within the affected hex pods were removed, including flooring, subfloor materials, vapour barriers, and insulation.

Work completed to date includes:

• Removal of all flooring systems within the affected hex pods;
• Removal of insulation and other affected building materials;
• Inspection of underlying building components;
• Review of exterior wall penetrations, including around windows and doors;

Any additional repairs identified through the inspection process will be completed before the spaces are returned to service.

Air Quality Testing and Reconstruction

Following the removal of affected materials, a third-party environmental consultant conducted air quality testing within the affected spaces.

The testing confirmed acceptable air quality, and environmental air clearance has been provided.

Contractors have now begun rebuilding the six hex pods, including the installation of new insulation, vapour barriers, subflooring, and flooring systems.

Grade 7-8 students have been relocated to alternate learning spaces within the school and the currently unoccupied child-care space. Every effort continues to be made to minimize impacts on students and the broader school community.

Access Between Elementary and Secondary Areas

We have received questions regarding access between the elementary and secondary areas of the school.

The doors connecting these areas cannot be locked, as building and fire code requirements require safe emergency exits throughout the facility. School staff continue to reinforce expectations, establish routines, supervise student movement, and address concerns when they arise.

Where expectations are not met, appropriate consequences are implemented. The school and Board are also exploring additional measures, including door alarm systems that would alert staff when these doors are opened. Additional signage will be installed to reinforce that students are not to access the other side of the school.

Portable Classrooms

We have also received questions regarding the use of portable classrooms.

Portable classrooms are a common feature of school systems across Ontario and Canada. They provide flexibility for school boards to accommodate fluctuating student populations and changing space requirements.

Parking and Traffic

Families have also raised concerns regarding vehicle traffic in the drop-off loop during recess periods.

As an immediate measure, pylons are being used to restrict access to the drop-off loop during recess to help enhance student safety. The Board will continue to monitor the effectiveness of this approach while reviewing longer-term options for the area.

As construction activities continue and additional parking areas become available, traffic flow is expected to improve. Once the upper parking lot is fully operational, it will provide additional parking capacity and alleviate congestion in the drop-off and pick-up areas.

Next Steps

Contractors and consultants continue to be on site, and work remains underway. While significant progress has been made, there is currently no confirmed timeline for completion.

We remain committed to keeping families informed and will provide another update on Friday, October 2, including further information on reconstruction progress and next steps.

We ask for your patience as the Board, school staff and contractors respond to this situation.

Sincerely,

Jay MacJanet
CEO/CEDO

Rebecca Bell
Supervisor