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Area schools get a huge infrastructure boost

Province dished out $14 million for repairs and upgrades
2106-06-30 Orazietti school funding announcement DMH-1
Sault MPP David Orazietti announced $14 million in funding for both the ADSB and the HSCDSB on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Korah Collegiate. Donna Hopper/SooToday

Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti and was joined at Korah Collegiate today by Jennifer Sarlo, chair, Algoma District School Board (ADSB); Lucia Reece, director of education, ADSB; and John Stadnyk, director of education, Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) for an infrastructure funding announcement from the Ministry of Education.

A total of $14 million – $11 million to the ADSB and $3 million to the HSCDSB – will be spent over the next two years for a variety of school upgrades, improvements and repairs.

“Our government recognizes how important it is to have modern spaces for students to learn and grow, and that’s why we continue to invest in schools and school infrastructure to ensure Ontario students are getting a world class education,” said Orazietti during his address.

“Both organizations have been absolutely fantastic in advocating with the province for improvements to resources, infrastructure, programs that they need to support students in Sault Ste. Marie and throughout the Algoma District,” he said. “It’s really an honour and a privilege to work with such high calibre individuals in these leadership positions in our local school boards.”

“Building better schools for better learning is one of the most important infrastructure investments we can make for our children, for our economy, and for the future of our province.”

“As you know, June is always a month of celebration in the education system, and today is just the icing on the cake,” said Sarlo. “This money that David has announced today will go a long way in enhancing and upgrading the remaining schools.”

Some of the work planned at ADSB schools over the next two years include:

    •    asbestos removal and restroom upgrades at Korah Collegiate
    •    Phase 3 completion at Northern Heights
    •    new roof at Eastview Public School
    •    mechanical upgrades and classroom renovations at Greenwood School
    •    new learning commons and theatre upgrades at White Pines
    •    improvements at the new Rosedale site

Projects scheduled within the HSCDSB include:

    •    energy management programs, including lighting fixture, roof and boiler replacements
    •    upgrades to create barrier-free facilities
    •    school yard improvements, including pavement, playgrounds, and Kindergarten play areas

A news release issued by the office of MPP David Orazietti follows.

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Orazietti announces $14 million for Sault and area schools

Province continues to improve school infrastructure for students and educator

SAULT STE. MARIE - The provincial government is investing an additional $14 million in the Sault and area over the next two years to repair and renew schools, announced David Orazietti, MPP.

“Today’s investment builds on the significant progress we have made locally to construct new schools, as well as improve existing school infrastructure, which supports student learning,” said Orazietti. “Working collaboratively with the leadership of both local school boards, to advance their capital planning priorities, continues to bring positive results in ensuring we have safe, modern and welcoming school environments.”

The Algoma District School Board is receiving an increase of $11 million, while the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board is receiving a $3 million increase, for a total investment of $37 million in school renewal funding to ensure Sault and area schools continue to be safe and modern places for students to learn.

The funding will enable the ADSB and HSCDSB to repair roofs, update HVAC units and modernize electrical and plumbing systems.

It will also significantly improve more visible elements of schools that impact students’ learning and well-being, including flooring, walls, ceilings, playing fields and more.

“This is great news for the Algoma District School Board, but more importantly, it is great news for our students, our educators and our community. We are very fortunate to have a government that continues to recognize the importance of the learning environment for students and to have David Orazietti as our MPP, as he advocates relentlessly for our community and our local economy,” said Lucia Reece, director of education at the Algoma District School Board. “This new funding will support our commitment to on-going maintenance and repair at several schools, and will, in particular, support our renewal and upgrading projects at Greenwood P.S., H.M. Robbins P.S. and Korah Collegiate C. & V.S. This significant investment is also indicative of the government’s commitment to maintaining Ontario’s education system as one of the best in the world, as great places to learn do make for better learning and increased well-being, which ultimately lead to better student achievement.”

“We are very grateful that the Ministry of Education has committed these funds to allow for us to ensure safe and healthy learning places for our students. As our Multi-Year Strategic Plan indicates we realize that having an environment that enhances learning also enhances student outcomes. With our Capital Plan as a guide, the funds allocated to the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) will improve our facilities, assist our partners who use our facilities, and the general public in the communities we serve,” said HSCDSB Director of Education, John Stadnyk.

This investment in school repair and renewal in Sault Ste. Marie is part of the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history — about $160 billion over 12 years, which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province, with projects such as roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals.

Since 2003, the province has invested over $150 million in new schools and school infrastructure some of which includes:

  • $51 million for St. Mary’s College
  • $47 million for Superior Heights Secondary School
  • $14.6 million for Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School
  • $10.4 million for Conseil Scolaire Catholique du Nouvel Ontario to expand Ecole Notre-Dame-du-Sault
  • $15.5 million for Francis H. Clergue Elementary School
  • $8.4 million for Alexander Henry High School retrofit for K-8 students
  • $5.5 million for Central Algoma Secondary School JK-6 addition
  • $3.9 million for St. Basil Secondary School renovation
  • $630,000 for expansion of East View Public School

Quick facts

  • To support transparency in this historic investment, the province will publicly post detailed information regarding the condition and renewal needs of each of Ontario’s 4,900 publicly funded schools.
  • This funding represents an increase in funding for elementary and secondary school renewal of $500 million for the 2015-16 school year and $575 million for the 2016-17 school year.

Learn more

Achieving Excellence: A Renewed Vision for Education in Ontario
Capital investments in education

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Donna Hopper

About the Author: Donna Hopper

Donna Hopper has been a photojournalist with SooToday since 2007, and her passion for music motivates her to focus on area arts, entertainment and community events.
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