Capital submission response – Waterdown Bay

Letter – capital submission response Waterdown Bay

December 10, 2021

Dear Mary Hopkins 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 second Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 elementary school in East Waterdown, South of Highway 5. The new school is required to address the short- and long-term accommodation pressures due to residential growth.

This is evident due to the increase population and projection for Mary Hopkins, which will significantly out grow its ability to accommodate the students in its attendance boundary. The proposed school site of about 6 acres is in the area of the intersection of Skinner Road and Mallard Trail.

Unfortunately, this project was not approved this year. The business case will be updated and resubmitted at the next opportunity.

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

Sincerely,

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