Nicholas Donaldson
The completion date for the merger of St. Michael’s and St. Francis schools here is being delayed for one year.
The merger into a single JK-Grade 8 school–to be located at the current site of St. Francis–originally was planned to open for the 2018-19 school.
But after consultation and analysis, that timeline now has been extended, with expected occupancy slated for the start of the 2019-20 school year.
The decision came after concerns arose about the planned build time, which would start in October or November and give only 10 months for construction.
Superintendent of Business Seija Van Haesendonck, in a report to the Northwest Catholic District School Board at its regular monthly meeting last Tuesday, noted the Ministry of Education usually recommends 14-16 months on a project like this.
“This will allow for more time in the design phase and less likely for delays,” Van Haesendonck explained.
She also said having more time is a way to better manage the timeline and budget of the project, which received $12.06 million from the ministry.
Questions about the new timeline were raised by Dryden trustee Al Cesiunas, who remarked the build plan now will overlap the provincial election scheduled for June 7, 2018.
His concern was that if a change in government takes places, there is no guarantee that the local Catholic board can retain its funding from the ministry.
But Van Haesendonck assured the board that with the new start date of March 1, the project should be well underway by the time of the election.
She reasoned the progress made at that time should secure the funding for the remainder of the project.
“As long as we get shovels in the ground, we are in good shape,” agreed board chair David Sharp.
Another benefit of delaying the project is going to tender at a more advantageous time.
Van Haesendonck said the original plan involved going to tender in July/August, which can lead to a premium on the cost.
Still, concerns about possible building cost increases due to the delay also were brought to the board’s attention at last week’s meeting.
Van Haesendonck responded by saying that money saved on going to tender at a better time would help counter any material cost hikes that might happen.
Sharp agreed with this, as well, saying people in the construction business have told him “it is important to pick the time that you tender.”
The new timeline also allows for the entire summer before the school year to move furniture and get acquainted with the new building.
The previous project completion date of Aug. 15 would give staff only a short time to prepare the new school before students arrive.
Trustees thanked Van Haesendonck for her thorough information and report.
Meanwhile, there was more good news for Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton following the board’s decision in November to keep it open.
Two new students have enrolled in the school from Rainy River, the board was told at last week’s meeting.
And with the addition of these students, there is now justification for running a bus service for students coming from Rainy River.
Director of Education Rick Boisvert noted the dedicated bus route will make the school more inviting and accessible for potential students, as well.
“This is really good news,” Boisvert enthused.
“We have other families looking at the school now.”
Other items discussed at last week’s meeting included:
•the recognition of Tim Armstrong for his exemplary dedication and commitment as head custodian at St. Patrick’s School in Atikokan;
•a report on pastoral teams in the schools by Amy LaFroy;
•reports on information systems and lock-down procedures by Superintendent of Education Brendan Hyatt; and
•the establishment of the David Fontana Memorial Scholarship.
This $500 award will be given annually to a graduating student from Atikokan High School and a graduating student from St. Patrick’s School beginning this June.
