Near North District School Board

Update on Parry Sound JK-12 Project

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September 18, 2018 – Please note that the Near North District School Board has not made any further changes after the Board motion adopted in October 2013 to proceed with the construction of a JK-12 school on the existing Parry Sound High School site.    A business case to was submitted to the Ministry of Education under the school consolidation capital program.  In March 2015 the Ministry of Education approved the business case that was submitted for a JK-12 consolidation and funding eligibility was confirmed. The Board continues to work with affected stakeholders, community partners and various levels of government to ensure that the project proceeds in accordance with all legal and legislative requirements.

As with all projects of this nature it is imperative that the Board review all new developments and changes in circumstances as they arise.  If a review of any such information results in a change it would be confirmed by way of Board motion and shared with affected parties and stakeholders through the approved communication process.  The NNDSB is committed to moving forward with this project in a fiscally responsible manner that meets the needs of the students, parents and the community.

For more information, please contact:

Mairghread Knought
Information/Communication Officer
Near North District School Board
(705) 472-8170, extension 5010
Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca

W.J. Fricker Project Proceeding

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September 18, 2018 – Please note that at this time the Near North District School Board has not made any changes with respect to the previously approved Board motion to proceed with the construction of a new elementary school on the W. J. Fricker site.  An application to proceed with the construction of a new elementary school was submitted to the Ministry of Education in accordance with the required “Capital Construction Approval Process”.  The Ministry has approved the scope of the project based upon programming and space requirements submitted by staff.  The Board is currently preparing Request for Proposal documentation required in order to secure an architect to proceed with design and construction drawings.

As with all projects of this nature it is imperative that the board review all developments and changes in circumstances as they arise.  If a review of any such information results in a change it would be confirmed by way of Board motion and shared with affected parties and stakeholders through the approved communication process.  The NNDSB is committed to moving forward with this project in a fiscally responsible manner that meets the needs of the students, parents and the community.

For more information, please contact:

Mairghread Knought
Information/Communication Officer
Near North District School Board
(705) 472-8170, extension 5010
Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca

Timeframe for Closure of Widdifield Secondary School Changed

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September 10, 2018 – The Near North District School Board has confirmed that the proposed timeframe for the closure of Widdifield Secondary School and relocation of those students to Chippewa Secondary School and West Ferris Secondary School will be delayed.  It is anticipated that the closure will be delayed by a minimum of one year.

The timeframe for proceeding with the closure is contingent upon the timelines and requirements established by the Ministry with respect to funding opportunities.   While the NNDSB had intended to apply for funding to have the closure and transitions completed by September 2019, funding and requirements have not been confirmed by the provincial government as of yet.  As such, the closure and relocation of students will not proceed as originally scheduled.

While the Board still intends to proceed with the closure of Widdifield, our focus remains on the students and ensuring that the appropriate facilities and resources are in place to ensure programming requirements can be met.

For more information, please contact:

Mairghread Knought
Information/Communication Officer
Near North District School Board

P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca

Biindigen

Mii gwi Anishinabek wewena nkenmaaminak dependajig maa kiing.
"We acknowledge in a good way, the original people of the land here"
We value the cultures, histories and relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (North America)

Connect With Us

Near North District School Board
963 Airport Road, P.O. Box 3110, North Bay, ON P1B 8H1
[P] 705-472-8170   [TF] 1-800-278-4922   [F] 705-472-9927