Capital submission response – SJAM Hub

Letter – capital submission response SJAM Hub

December 10, 2021

Dear Hess school families,

At Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB), we consider school renewal a strategic priority because the quality of our learning environments supports student learning and well-being.

Each year, school boards can submit up to 10 of their most urgent capital projects for which they seek Ministry of Education approval to complete. The ministry assesses proposed projects and announces funding if approved.

Successful capital project submissions have brought HWDSB about $237 million since 2012, allowing us to build two new secondary schools, 10 new elementary schools and several significant additions and/or renovations at 12 other schools.

In spring 2021, one project we proposed was a community hub anchored by a new elementary school on the Sir John A. Macdonald school site. The community hub would include a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 elementary school to replace Hess Street and Strathcona schools. It would enhance learning environments to support student achievement.

Unfortunately, this project was not approved this year.

Staff will require direction from Trustees on how to move forward, based on the project not receiving funding.

We will update the community on our next steps as we continue to improve learning spaces for students.

Sincerely,

Gerry Smith
Acting Superintendent of Student Achievement (Family of Schools 4)