The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) Senior Administration has decided to re-purpose the John N. Given Public School site for alternative programs and as such, the site will not be declared a property surplus to the Board’s needs.
On May 9, 2017, LKDSB Trustees approved the consolidation of the John N. Given Public School Kindergarten to Grade 8 English Language Program at Tecumseh Public School for September 1, 2018; the Relocation of the John N. Given Public School Grade 7 and 8 French Immersion Program to McNaughton Avenue Public School in September 1, 2017 and the closure of John N. Given Public School as of July 1, 2018.
The LKDSB continues to be focused on supporting students in successfully completing the 2017- 2018 school year.
In September 2018, students from the John N. Given Public School English Language Program will be relocating to Tecumseh Public School, the final transition in the school consolidation process. However, with the pending school closure, Senior Administration turned its attention to considering the potential future use of the site.
Currently, the LKDSB’s Adult & Continuing Education program occupies a leased property in Chatham. As well, the LKDSB currently houses some alternative Special Education programs in various locations throughout the area, such as the Positive Alternative to Suspension from School (PASS) program and Section 23, which offers educational programming to students who require an alternative to a traditional classroom setting.
After careful consideration, Senior Administration decided to consolidate these programs into the John N. Given Public School site in order to consolidate resources and support services, as well as create efficiencies for the system.
“After thoughtful consideration of the needs of the LKDSB and the community, we believe repurposing the John N. Given Public School site will be a positive transition for the students and staff who are currently decentralized throughout our system. By bringing them together in one site, staff will be able to better support our students and each other. As well, this move is expected to continue to create efficiencies for the system,” said Director Jim Costello.
The LKDSB is working with its students and community partners to notify them of the location change, which is expected to be effective as of September 2018.
The LKDSB will be working during the summer months to move the programs to the new site.
As well, the LKDSB will follow the process outlined in the Naming and Renaming of Board Facilities Regulation regarding the future name of the facility.
