Construction of the new MacLeod Public School begins this spring

Construction of a new green school on the MacLeod Public School site will begin this spring. Rainbow District School Board Trustees approved plans at the regular Board meeting on January 31, 2012. Parents/guardians received a preview of the new school during an information session on February 6, 2012.

Green features will include a geothermal heating and cooling system, a displacement ventilation and heat recovery system, radiant floor heating, high insulation values in windows, walls and floors, and energy efficient plumbing and lighting fixtures. The roof will be constructed to allow for the installation of solar panels at a later date.

“The sustainable design will foster environmental awareness within the school and community and develop a culture of conservation while minimizing operating expenses,” said Rainbow District School Board Chair Doreen Dewar. “Students will continue to have access to the best programming possible in quality school facilities.”

The new MacLeod Public School will accommodate approximately 600 students in approximately 69,000 square feet. It will feature a full daycare for infants, toddlers and preschoolers as well as a Best Start Hub. The design will allow for future expansion should the South End continue to grow. The play area for children will be expanded to approximately 173,900 square feet.

The main entrance of the school will be located on Walford Road. A separate bus layby from Laval Street to Walford Road will greatly improve traffic flow in the area. There will also be 93 parking spaces on site. With a budget of $17.9 million, the new MacLeod Public School is expected to be complete in the fall of 2013.

During construction, JK to Grade 2 students as well as the daycare will remain at the Annex on the current MacLeod site. Grades 3 to 8 students will be relocated to the former Wembley Public School (the MacLeod Wembley site) effective Monday, March 19, 2012.

Regular bus routes will be maintained. In the morning, students will be dropped off at the Annex and buses will continue to the MacLeod Wembley site. In the afternoon, students will be picked up at the MacLeod Wembley site, then buses will proceed to the Annex.

The new MacLeod Public School is Rainbow District School Board’s third green school. Valley View Public School opened in the fall of 2007. Walden Public School opened in the fall of 2009.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.