The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) has announced the new elementary school in Rockwood may not be ready by this September – as originally planned.
Construction began in November on the new school, which the board has yet to name, but officials are warning the late start, “complicated by severe winter weather,” means the building may not be ready for the first day of the 2014-15 school year.
If that is the case, the board has created a contingency plan.
“I know our capital projects team and the construction company will be working flat out towards that September target,” superintendent Bonnie Talbot said in a press release.
“But parents should know that even if the facility is delayed, we will still have a school in every other sense of the word.”
The board has appointed Carrie Conrad as principal of the new school, effective in September.
She is currently the principal of Brisbane Public School.
“The new school’s classrooms and teachers will be organized exactly as they should be,” said Talbot.
“If it is necessary to hold the school in temporary accommodations, we will make every effort to create a productive and comfortable learning environment, and minimize any disruption.”
Under the contingency plan, students enrolled in the new school would be temporarily located at Rockwood Centennial Public School, using rooms inside the school as well as two additional portables.
Name needed for new school
UGDSB officials say they will seek input on names for five schools in its area, including the new Rockwood elementary school, until Jan. 17.
Those interested in naming the Rockwood school can enter a submission online at www.ugdsb.on.ca/name, or fill in a naming form and drop it in a box at Rockwood Centennial Public School or Brisbane Public School.
Name suggestions must be based on one of the following criteria: the street on which the school is located, a reflection of the community the school serves, or after a significant individual or event. Everyone is welcome to participate, including members of the public, students, teachers and parents.
The naming committee for the Rockwood school will include local trustee Kathryn Cooper, principal Conrad and members of the school council/parent committee.
