At the May 9 Board Meeting, Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) Senior Administration presented the Addendum to the Final Staff Report for the Consolidation of the John N. Given Public School Kindergarten to Grade 8 English Language Program at Tecumseh Public School and the Relocation of the John N. Given Public School Grade 7 and 8 French Immersion Program to McNaughton Avenue Public School. After carefully considering the recommendations by Senior Administration and the information gathered during the community consultations, Trustees of the LKDSB approved the following motions:
“That the Board approve 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 approve the closure of John N. Given Public School as of July 1, 2018.”
“That the Board approve the establishment of an Ad Hoc Naming Committee to recommend to the Board a name for the consolidated Tecumseh Public School and John N. Given Public School and appoint two Trustees to serve on the Committee.”
“The pupil accommodation process can be challenging. However, with valuable input and support from the Chatham community, Trustees approved the consolidation of John N. Given Public School’s English Language Program at Tecumseh Public School and the relocation of the French Immersion Program to McNaughton Avenue Public School. This will allow the LKDSB to offer concentrated program supports in enhanced facilities, while also creating efficiencies for the system,” said Director Jim Costello.
The LKDSB will apply to the Ministry of Education for capital funds for a reconfiguration of existing classrooms for additional and renovated Full Day Kindergarten classrooms at Tecumseh Public School. Additional changes are necessary to reconfigure the parking lot to mitigate pedestrian traffic safety concerns. If the LKDSB is not successful in the Ministry grant process, it will use LKDSB capital funding to undertake the work.
The principals of the schools involved will be working with Senior Administration to form the Transition Committee to oversee all of the “on the ground” details of consolidating the Kindergarten to Grade 8 English Language students and staff at Tecumseh Public School for September 1, 2018, as well as forming a Naming Committee. Community members interested in serving on the Naming Committee are asked to contact the principals.
Transition activities will be arranged for consolidating the John N. Given Public School French Immersion students and staff at McNaughton Avenue Public School for September 1, 2017.
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For additional information contact:
Jane Bryce, Chair of the Board, 519-899-2619
Jim Costello, Director of Education, 519-336-1500, Ext 31297
Gary Girardi, Superintendent of Education – Capital Planning & Accommodation,
519-336-1500, Ext. 31486
For reference information contact:
Heather Hughes, Public Relations Officer, 519-336-1500, Ext. 31262
May 10, 2017
2016/2017:27
Read a letter from Director Jim Costello:
