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HWDSB Board Staff Reassess Future of Hess School

Volunteer Committees Suggests Additional Options

Hamilton, ON – April 10, 2017: Community feedback was at the forefront when Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) staff presented the final staff reports for the Ancaster and West Hamilton City accommodation reviews, with new schools at Hess Street, C H Bray and Rousseau.

The reports mark the culmination of work by staff and the community over the past four months to look at schools in a ‘big picture’ way to plan for the future and create the best environments for students. The process began on November 14, 2016, when Trustees approved a motion to start accommodation reviews in the two areas.

“As Trustees, we’re thrilled by the creativity and possibilities staff and the Advisory committees have given us to work with,” says Chair Todd White. “These reports show flexibility and movement on the part of staff by bringing forward options that move beyond those initially recommended in November.”

Working directly with the community to shape education for future generations of students, each review sought input in a variety of ways. This included consultation with community partners, as well as public and working meetings involving an Advisory committee, comprised of parents, teachers, non-teaching staff and community members.

After months of meetings, and with this community input, staff was able to submit an updated recommended option to Trustees for consideration.

The staff recommended options – after advisory committee input – are summarized below. See the full report presented at the April 10, 2017 Board meeting online.

Updated Staff Recommendation – Ancaster

• Rebuild CH Bray and Rousseau (JK-8)
• Additions/renovations to Ancaster Senior (JK-8)
• Close Fessenden and combine with Ancaster Senior
• Close Queen’s Rangers
• Boundary review between Queen’s Rangers and surrounding communities

Updated Staff Recommendation – West Hamilton City

• Rebuild Hess Street on the Hess Street site
• New French Immersion 1-8 program at Bennetto
• Close Strathcona and combine with the new Hess Street
• Boundary review for Earl Kitchener/Ryerson to revise French Immersion boundary

“We thank the Advisory committees for all their hard work. Community input is crucial to these reviews and we’re glad to see staff have listened to the community and evolved with the discussions,” said White.

There is still another opportunity for the public to have their final say about the Ancaster or West Hamilton City accommodation reviews through delegations to the Board of Trustees on Monday, May 8, 2017. Interested individuals can register at [email protected] or by calling 905-527-5092 ext. 2279. The final reports for Ancaster and West Hamilton will be presented no later than June 5, 2017.

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