ATHENS

Upper Canada District School Board support staff were on hand Wednesday to help staff and students cope with the shock of a custodian’s death at Athens District High School.

The Ontario Provincial Police was also investigating the death of Joyce Moore, who was discovered deceased in the school by another staff member on Wednesday morning.

Officers were at the scene of “an incident” at the school after being called there around 8 a.m., the OPP said in a press release.

“Officers are investigating the death of a staff member. There is no foul play suspected at this time,” the statement added.

“There is no concern for safety to the other staff members, students or community at this time.”

Leeds County OPP Const. Judy King would not provide further details, other than to say it was otherwise “business as usual” at the school.

“The students are still attending classes,” she said.

Leeds and Grenville Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Deputy Chief Jeff Carss confirmed paramedics were called to the scene. He declined to comment because of the sensitive nature of the matter.

Neither the police nor the school board would discuss the specific cause of Moore’s death.

Board spokesman Terry Simzer confirmed that none of the students witnessed the shocking discovery.

“One of the staff found her and called the OPP immediately,” said Simzer, adding the discovery happened in a relatively isolated area of the school.

Students and staff remain shaken by the news, while expressions of grief and sympathy were pouring in on the board’s Facebook page.

But school officials are doing their best to maintain a sense of normalcy, added Simzer.

“In these situations, you want the school day to be as normal as possible,” he said.

“It’s easier for students to manage their own emotions if you’ve got that structure in place.”

ADHS principal Marsha McNair could not be reached for comment.