The Ministry of Education has approved plans and funding to replace Beavercrest Community School in Markdale.
The School Consolidation Capital funding program is providing $6.4 million to build a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 school to meet current and future needs.
Another 1.05 million has been approved for two child care rooms and two EarlyON rooms at the new school.
Last April, an accommodation review decision called for the board to work with community partners to find solutions for the operational deficit and capital upkeep for Beavercrest.
The approved motion included investigating complementary ministry funding through a business case to support a new replacement school.
“We are thrilled by the news of a replacement facility for Beavercrest Community School, which will ensure a sustainable future and strengthened educational experience for students and families in the Markdale area. After a long and tenacious process, this outcome can be attributed to the valiant and collaborative efforts of many committed parents, municipal and business partners, staff, trustees, and other citizens,” says Jim Dawson, Trustee for the Township of Southgate/Municipality of Grey Highlands.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment by all of the individuals who gave countless hours of their time, expertise and thoughtful ideas, both during and after the recent accommodation review for the Markdale area. We thank the Ministry of Education for supporting our students and acknowledging the importance of rural schools through this funding allocation, which will also benefit many of our future students and their families through new and improved child care facilities,” says Superintendent of Education Wendy Kolohon.
