School in Lutselk'e, N.W.T., evacuated due to mould

Close to 40 elementary school students had to leave Lutsel K'e Dene SchoolThursday afternoon aftermould was discovered by construction crews doing renovations.

"Mould had been discovered in two places where renovations were underway, but further spores were uncovered as the renovation continued," said Joe Pearce, assistant superintendent for the N.W.T.'s South Slave region.

High school students who normally attend the schoolhad been attending classes elsewhere while half the building was gutted for therenovations.

Officials say the school will remain closed for the time being.They are now scrambling to find other community buildings that could hold elementary classes.

High school classes will continue to be held in other buildings around the community.

Mould can cause severe nose and throat irritation and can damage lungs.

A team is being flown in from Yellowknife to help remove the mould.

Pearce says it's unclear how this surprise discovery will hurt the school's budget, or how it will effect renovations.