Blind River’s New School Set to Open in Spring 2024

Students in Blind River could soon benefit from a new educational facility, with the Three Rivers JK-12 School anticipated to open in spring 2024. Joe Santa Maria, the associate director of corporate services and operations for the Algoma District School Board (ADSB), confirmed that the project remains on budget and on schedule during a recent board of trustees meeting.

Located on Youngfox Road, the new school will replace both W.C. Eaket Secondary School and Blind River Public School. Additionally, Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord’s Ecole publique des Pins Blanc, currently situated at W.C. Eaket, will also transition to the new facility. “We’re chugging along,” Santa Maria stated, indicating a positive outlook for the project.

Santa Maria expressed confidence that students would be able to start attending classes at Three Rivers by September 2024, with hopes for an even earlier opening. “That’s what we’re aiming towards is the spring,” he noted.

Project Progress and Future Plans

The $50.5 million project has made significant progress, with the building’s exterior and roof decks now completed. “All the interior work is happening as we speak,” Santa Maria added. Last week, he conducted a tour of the construction site alongside officials from the Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord, including board chair Francine Vaillancourt and director of education Carl Dussault.

In addition to the new school in Blind River, ADSB is pursuing plans for additional educational facilities, including a new school in Thessalon. This initiative aims to consolidate Sir James Dunn Public School and Michipicoten High School in Wawa. The current Thessalon Public School, which has been in operation since 1924, has undergone various expansions over the years.

During the meeting, Trustee Marie Murphy-Foran raised the issue of signage at Elliot Lake Secondary School, noting the lack of illuminated exterior signs for the school at night, which could enhance visibility and awareness in the community.

Upcoming Developments in Education

Furthermore, work on a technology centre at White Pines Collegiate and Vocational School is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024, with a potential extension to fall 2026. The site superintendent for this project is Josh Sidwell, a graduate of White Pines, who is with SalDan Construction Group.

Santa Maria plans to present further details regarding capital projects scheduled for 2026 during the upcoming board meeting on November 25, 2023. The ADSB continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving educational infrastructure in the region, ensuring that students have access to modern and conducive learning environments.

For ongoing updates, readers can follow developments on social media or contact the ADSB directly.