Board Sets August 31 Deadline for North Huron School Site
The Avon Maitland District School reports that while progress is being made towards its plan to build a new elementary school in Wingham at its preferred location, there remain a number of hurdles. The current location of choice is a section of land next to F.E. Madill Secondary School in Wingham. The delays are preventing the Board from moving forward toward a start date for construction. Funding and timing continue to be challenges for the Board, as in order to address all of the issues involving the preferred site, the Board faces an additional cost of approximately 1 million dollars. The Board has made a request to the Ministry of Education about the possibility of additional funding to cover the shortfall.
In a special meeting held July 28, 2010, the Board decided that if additional funding from the Ministry of Education to cover the increased costs is not confirmed by the end of August, the Board will direct staff to move to the alternate site.
The Board has been working with the Municipality of North Huron to address a number of the issues concerning the location. On July 5, 2010 North Huron approved a rezoning by-law for the site which would have normally allowed the next step in the process to begin. The roadblocks that remain are three appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board.
The Board's initial plan, consistent with Ministry expectations was to open the new school in September 2011. At this point in time, the Board's best case scenario for building the school on the proposed site would see completion late in 2011-2012.
Either of the two sites selected would replace Wingham, Blyth, East Wawanosh and Turnberry Central Public Schools.
Board Chair Jenny Versteeg says the Board is appreciative of the efforts of North Huron and Huron County for working with the Board to make the new school a reality. She admits though; “It has been frustrating that we have been unable to put the shovels in the ground, and we need to keep moving forward. While the current site is our preferred choice, we must give serious consideration at this point to the alternate location.”
Related Posts:
Major Hurdle Remains as North Huron & Board Resolve Site Issues – June 29, 2010
Board Facing Significant Challenges with North Huron School – June 23, 2010
For further information please contact:
Steve Howe
Manager of Communications
Avon Maitland District School Board
1-800-592-5437 ext 132 or 519-527-0111 ext 132
Cell: 519-851-6349
www.yourschools.ca
Post a Comment