Senior Administration presented the 2017 Capital Plan to Trustees at the Board Meeting on Tuesday, June 27. The Capital Plan provides an update to community partners on the status of the Lambton Kent District School Board's (LKDSB) school conditions and demographics.

The LKDSB had 21,955 students enrolled in 2016-2017, which is an overall decline in the student population of 14.4 per cent over ten years. Board projections indicate the decline in elementary and secondary student enrolment is expected to continue, however this is not expected to occur as rapidly as in the past. In the 2017-18 school year, the total enrolment is projected to be 21,682 students, however this number may change due to students relocating during the summer.

With reduced enrolments, the LKDSB is projected to be at 74 per cent capacity for elementary schools and 66 per cent capacity for secondary schools in September 2017.

With declining enrolment and related funding challenges due to changes in the Ministry of Education's allocation of the Grants for Student Needs and Top-Up Funding, as well as the number of facilities in need of renewal, the LKDSB has to make difficult decisions regarding school consolidations and capital needs.

The LKDSB is committed to maximizing the utilization of its facilities and partnering with local organizations, where appropriate, to deliver programming that supports communities. The LKDSB has several successful community partnerships in place, including child care and athletic facilities, and Community Use of Schools rental agreements. However, the LKDSB continues to seek opportunities to work with municipal and community partners to make better use of space to support community interests.

"The projected student enrolment indicates the LKDSB will continue to experience a decline over the next 10 years," said Chair Jane Bryce. "This challenges Trustees to make decisions on the allocation of resources that will best support students' success and encourage community partnerships throughout the district."

To read the complete LKDSB Capital Plan, visit the LKDSB website: http://www.lkdsb.net/Board/BoardMeetings/2017%20Board%20Meetings/Reports/LKDSB_Capital_Plan_June_2017%20final.pdf

Also during the June 27 Board Meeting, Trustees approved a motion to reaffirm the March 21 Special Board Meeting decision, as stated below:

"That the Board approve the consolidation of Aberarder Central School, Bosanquet Central School, Kinnwood Central School and North Lambton Secondary School into a Kindergarten to Grade 12 School on a site to be determined as soon as possible and the submission of grant applications to the Ministry of Education for funding for the construction of the new school and the acquisition of land; and that the Board close Aberarder Central School, Bosanquet Central School, Kinnwood Central School and North Lambton Secondary School as of July 1, 2020."

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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
June 28, 2017
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