Letter re: Board motion on accommodation next steps

Letter – Hess and Strathcona SJAM site update Feb 2 2022

February 2, 2022

Dear Hess and Strathcona families,

As we informed you December 10, 2021, the Ministry of Education did not approve HWDSB’s request for a community hub anchored by a new elementary school on the former Sir John A. Macdonald (SJAM) school site. If approved, this new school would have replaced Hess Street and Strathcona schools.

This means that HWDSB will no longer be pursuing the community hub request. Staff required Trustee direction on next steps to enhance learning environments for students.

This direction came at the Board meeting on Monday, January 31. Trustees directed staff to start building a business case for a standalone replacement school for Hess Street and Strathcona. This would not be part of a community hub but would still be located on the former SJAM site.

This is the beginning of a long process, and we appreciate your patience. We will keep you informed as developments occur.

Sincerely,

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