The Ministry of Education announced a $27.4 million investment in the Lambton- Kent District School Board (LKDSB) on Wednesday to build a new Kindergarten to Grade 12 school in Forest and provide 24 new child care spaces.
Deb Matthews, MPP London North Centre, announced the capital funding for the new school during an event held in London, Ontario.
The Kindergarten to Grade 12 school will be the first of its kind in the LKDSB and will consolidate students from Aberarder Central School, Bosanquet Central School, Kinnwood Central School and North Lambton Secondary School into a single site at a new location.
“The Ministry of Education’s investment to build a new Kindergarten to Grade 12 school in Forest symbolizes a new vision for the future of education in the community,” stated Liz Hudie, LKDSB chair.
“We look forward to building on the relationships established with the Forest community and Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, as we work together to create an innovative learning environment for current and future students.”
Board officials say moving forward, the LKDSB will be looking for an appropriate location for the new school site and will be working with the Ministry to acquire the property.
Senior Administration will work with the school principals to form a Transition Committee to oversee all “on the ground” details of consolidating the students and staff at the Kindergarten to Grade 12 school site.
Senior Administration will work with Principals and School Council Chairs to establish a Naming Committee.
In addition to investment in the Forest Kindergarten to Grade 12 school, the Ministry of Education also earmarked $2.6 million to support a retrofit of the Full-Day Kindergarten space at Tecumseh Public School.
This investment supports the consolidation of Tecumseh Public School and John N. Given Public School at the Tecumseh Public School site.
“I am thrilled our government is investing in these projects that are so important to our region,” stated Matthews.
“This is great news for so many families and the 2,300 students who will benefit from new and improved schools. I am proud that we are making a real difference for students and families now and for future generations.”
The other projects across the region, include:
The regional projects include:
Thames Valley District School Board:
– $14 million for a new school in Southeast London for 500 students with 88 new child care spaces.
– $6 million for an addition to Masonville Public School.
– $3.7 million for an addition to Tweedsmuir Public School.
London District Catholic School Board
– $10.5 million for a new North London elementary school that will accommodate over 500 students.
– $3.2 million for a retrofit at St. Bernadette’s School.
