Board approves schedule for school boundary reviews
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 12, 2011
GUELPH, Ontario — The Upper Grand District School Board has approved a schedule of school boundary reviews as the next step in the implementation of its full day kindergarten (FDK) plan by September 2014.
The board adopted the FDK Capital Plan at its September board meeting. It projects that FDK will increase the district’s student population by 10%, or up to 2,200 students by 2014.
This will create the need for additions or renovations to some facilities and the construction of up to seven new schools and an early learning centre to accommodate both FDK children and enrolment growth in some areas.
Schools with enrolment pressures will require boundary reviews to make efficient use of school facilities and ensure they are right-sized. New schools will also require boundaries. Boundaries are normally set at least 10 months in advance of a new school’s opening.
Among the plan’s highlights:
- This year, reviews will be needed in East Guelph at Edward Johnson and Ken Danby schools and at Hyland Heights in Shelburne. New schools proposed for East Guelph and the Shelburne area will require new boundaries. Transition plans to deal with enrolment growth will be necessary in both areas, as the new schools are not expected to open until 2013.
- In 2012 -13 additional boundary reviews will be required at John McCrae in South Guelph and at Victory and Paisley Road schools in West Guelph. Both of these are dual track (English and French Immersion) and experiencing enrolment pressures, mainly from the growth of the FI program. In Fergus, James McQueen PS, which cannot accommodate any portables, requires a review.
- In 2013-14, boundary reviews will be necessary in Orangeville at Princess Elizabeth and Montgomery Village due to enrolment pressures and site restrictions. The Board also proposes a new school which will have its boundary set to allow for the relocation of students currently being bused to rural schools.
- In 2014, an Early Learning Centre (ELC) to house FDK students is proposed for Rockwood. Staff will report to the community and trustees on how to manage enrolment between Rockwood Centennial School and the ELC before the Centre opens, but this will not require a formal boundary review process.
- No boundary reviews will be needed Erin, Mapleton, Wellington North and Minto, as FDK will be suitably housed with renovations or additions to schools. No additional capacity is necessary for a projected 10 years.
The FDK Capital Projects Plan is being funded by $46 million that has already been committed by the Ministry of Education for new schools and full day kindergarten, and $8 million from the disposal of various properties and assets held by the board. The board has also requested an additional $37 million from the province to complete the final stages of FDK implementation.
Trustees learned that the schedule of boundary reviews will remain in “draft” form so it can be modified subject to Ministry of Education funding for FDK capital projects for years four (2013-14) and five (2014-15).
Additional information on each review area will be provided to communities and media, starting with three public information meetings to be held as follows:
- Dufferin County: Wednesday, October 13, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the auditorium at Westside Secondary School, 300 Alder Street, Orangeville.
- Guelph: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the cafetorium at College Heights Secondary School, 371 College Ave. W., Guelph.
- Wellington County: Wednesday, October 19, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the cafetorium at Centre Wellington District High School, 925 Scotland Street, Fergus.
For more information visit www.ugdsb.ca/fdk
For more information:
Maggie McFadzen, Communications Officer
519-822-4420 ext. 725
[email protected]
Mark Weidmark, Administrative Officer – Communications
519-822-4420 ext.544
[email protected]
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