An exciting new era in public education is about to begin for families in the Markdale area. Following several months of dedicated hard work and collaboration with community partners, Bluewater District School Board has received approval from the Ministry of Education to build a new replacement facility for Beavercrest Community School.

Approved funding in the amount of 6.4 million dollars from the ministry's School Consolidation Capital funding program has been allocated for the build, which will accommodate 236 student spaces from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, to meet current and future enrolment expectations in the Markdale area.

An additional 1.05 million dollars in funding has also been approved for the creation of two child care rooms and two EarlyON rooms at the same location.

The announcement follows the April 18, 2017 accommodation review final decision by the Board of Trustees to work with community partners to find viable solutions to the operation deficit and capital upkeep required at Beavercrest Community School. The approved motion included investigating complementary ministry funding through a business case to support a new replacement school.

Timelines and other information regarding the build will be communicated to the public by board staff as further details become available.

"We are thrilled by the news of a replacement facility for Beavercrest Community School, which will ensure a sustainable future and strengthened educational experience for students and families in the Markdale area. After a long and tenacious process, this outcome can be attributed to the valiant and collaborative efforts of many committed parents, municipal and business partners, staff, trustees, and other citizens," says Jim Dawson, Trustee for the Township of Southgate/Municipality of Grey Highlands.

"This is a tremendous accomplishment by all of the individuals who gave countless hours of their time, expertise and thoughtful ideas, both during and after the recent accommodation review for the Markdale area. We thank the Ministry of Education for supporting our students and acknowledging the importance of rural schools through this funding allocation, which will also benefit many of our future students and their families through new and improved child care facilities," says Superintendent of Education Wendy Kolohon.

source: media release, BWDSB