Province drops $5M on local high-school expansion

Algoma District School Board is moving forward with plans to close Johnson-Tarbutt Public School and moving the students to a facility at Central Algoma Secondary School (CASS).

Lucia Reece, director of education for Algoma District School Board, said the previous move of Grades 7 and 8 students to CASS was controversial at first but the community came around when they saw the additional programs and resources that became available because of the move.

“There were some reservations at first for some families but the feedback and response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Reece.

The next phase will see the closure of Johnson-Tarbutt once construction is complete on the new facility at CASS.

Reece hopes work will start on the new facility “ASAP.”

The project is moving forward after an announcement from the provincial government made Friday, which is investing over $5.2-million on the addition.

“We’re quite excited this will be the final phase of that project and fulfil the wishes of that community,” said Reece.

Additional funding announced includes $630,000 towards an expansion of East View Public School and $210,000 toward the demolition of the Arthur Henderson Annex.

Reese said the East View expansion will accommodate students currently being taught in portables and the demolition of the unused annex will allow for more green space for Arthur Henderson students.

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Ontario Government Providing Capital Funding for Three Projects

The Ontario government is investing $6.1 million into major capital and school renewal projects within the Algoma District School Board (ADSB), announced David Orazietti, MPP.

“Our government is committed to giving our students a world class education,” said Orazietti. “This investment towards Sault Ste. Marie’s consolidation projects will allow us to reinvest savings back into our children’s education, providing a good school environment where students can focus on their learning and personal achievements.”

This funding is supporting consolidation in the Algoma District School Board’s schools, which will reduce the cost of under-utilized space and reinvest those savings back into the classroom.

The investment will support three ADSB projects:

• $5,256,765 million for the JK-6 addition at Central Algoma Secondary School
• $630,000 towards an expansion at East View Public School
• $210,000 towards the demolition of Arthur Henderson Annex, creating more green space for Arthur Henderson P.S. students

“We are extremely grateful for the additional funding being provided to support our capital projects and ultimately, our learners.  We have remained diligent in our efforts to continuously review and manage our capital priorities and it is reassuring to know that Ontario is equally committed to maintain ing one of the best education systems in the world, delivered in the best learning environments,” said Lucia Reece, Director of Education, Algoma District School Board. 

“On behalf of the students, staff and families of the Algoma District School Board, I want to thank the Ontario Government and our MPP, David Orazietti, whose commitment to ensuring that investments continue for the betterment of our community and our province is unwavering.”

Investing in schools is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario.

The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2003, the province has invested over $136 million toward five new schools in Sault Ste. Marie
• In the 2014 Ontario Budget, the province made a commitment to invest $750 million over four years to support school consolidations and school reductions

LEARN MORE

Recent capital investments

Achieving Excellence: A Renewed Vision for Education in Ontario

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