2014 Orazietti crop  Supplied by MPP David Orazietti…
Sault Ste. Marie – Ontario is investing in Sault Ste. Marie students by renovating a local school to better support student achievement and well-being, announced David Orazietti MPP today.

“Our government is continuing to make investing in local schools a top priority, and is committed to providing world class learning environments for our students,” said Orazietti.  “By strengthening school communities through improved facilities and by creating more opportunities, we are setting students in Sault Ste. Marie up for success.”

A provincial investment of $3.9 million will allow work to begin in 2015-16 on a significant renovation to convert St. Basil Secondary School into an elementary school that will bring together all students currently enrolled in St. Pius X Catholic School, St. Ann Catholic School, St. Bernadette Catholic School, and St. Theresa Catholic School. The renovation also includes a significant investment toward improved full-day kindergarten classrooms.

High school students currently attending St. Basil are scheduled to move to the new St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School in the fall of 2015.

“The Board is grateful that the Ministry has approved our funding request to make modifications to St. Basil Secondary in preparation for its transition to an elementary school,” said HSCDSB Director of Education, John Stadnyk. “These funds will allow the Board to enhance student safety and the overall student experience at our newest elementary school.”

By bringing together students from nearby schools where declining enrollment has led to reduced programming and excess space, Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) is ensuring an efficient use of Ontario’s publicly funded education system. This move will provide students with better buildings, greater learning opportunities and will allow the HSCDSB to focus funding on student education.

Giving students the best possible learning environment is part of the government’s plan for Ontario.  The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.

QUICK FACTS

” Since 2003, the province has invested over $136 million toward five new schools in Sault Ste. Marie.
” In the 2014 Ontario Budget, the province made a commitment to invest $750 million over four years to support school consolidations and school reductions.

LEARN MORE

” Recent capital investments
” Achieving Excellence: A Renewed Vision for Education in Ontario