The Hastings Prince Edward District School Board is making contingency plans should the new Easthill Elementary School, currently under construction in the east end of Belleville, not be ready for the start of school this September.
Superintendent of Education Kristen Niemi says construction has fallen behind on the new school that will consolidate students from Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria Schools.
“Supply and demand due to COVID has been an issue in many sectors and that is one of the primary reasons for the delay with construction. We haven’t confirmed our contingency plan and as a result we do not have the exact impact on the budget at this time.”
The new school is being built at the site of Queen Elizabeth School on Macdonald Avenue.
Niemi says town hall meetings were held with school staff and families at both schools on Thursday to provide an update.
Construction timelines, along with floor plan layouts and aerial photographs were shared, as were possible contingency plans.
Several options were presented and staff and families will have the chance to provide feedback.
Options:
How should the students be organized before moving into Easthill Elementary School?
Combine the students from the beginning and place them at Queen Elizabeth School and Queen Victoria School.
Combine the students from the beginning and place them at Queen Victoria School and another school.
Keep the students separated at Queen Elizabeth School and Queen Victoria School (like they are this year).
When should the students and staff be moved into Easthill Elementary School?
As soon as it is possible after construction is completed.
After a natural break (e.g., January 2024).
September 2024.
Niemi says that “staff and families asked thoughtful questions and shared their perspectives. All of that will assist senior staff in making the best possible decisions for students, families and staff.”
A survey has also been issued asking for feedback.
“It’s a feedback form that’s open until Thursday, March 9. And on the form, staff and families are able to highlight their first, second and third choice for each of those two questions and then also there’s a section, an open response section where they can provide additional feedback so that we really understand their individual perspectives on which factors are most important to them.”
Once the feedback is received, senior staff will complete a detailed cost-benefit analysis about the various options.
A contingency plan will be finalized and communicated in April.
