School Boards receive funding for revitalization projects in Espanola

The Ministry of Education has confirmed funding for the revitalization of education in Espanola. Rainbow District School Board, the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario and the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board will now be able to proceed with school revitalization projects.

The Ministry of Education encouraged the school boards to work together to address student accommodation needs in Espanola. The goal is to maximize the use of space while ensuring that all students continue to have access to the best programming possible in quality school facilities.

Rainbow District School Board has received $4.47 million to renovate the Espanola High School site to accommodate two distinct schools – A.B. Ellis Public School (JK to Grade 8) and Espanola High School (Grade 9 to 12). Work will begin this summer with an anticipated completion during the 2014-2015 school year. 

“This funding will enable Rainbow District School Board to modernize the Espanola High School site to better meet the needs of students from JK to Grade 8 in an elementary school setting and from Grade 9 to 12 in a reconfigured secondary school setting,” said Rainbow District School Board Chair Doreen Dewar.

The Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario and the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board have received $9.88 million and $6.94 million respectively to work jointly to build distinct schools on the current Sacred Heart School property and the former St-Louis de France Catholic Church site.

This shared site will accommodate students from Sacred Heart Catholic School (JK to Grade 8) as well as students from École Saint-Joseph (JK to Grade 8) and École secondaire catholique Franco-Ouest (Grade 9 to 12).  Construction of the building, that will serve these three schools, is expected to begin in 2015 with occupancy slated for 2017.

“This joint project will enhance Catholic education in Espanola while ensuring the respect of linguistic differences.  We are proud to know that all of our students from JK through to Grade 12 will now be able to study and grow together in the same learning establishment,” said Mr. André Bidal, President of the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario.

“This is great news for our students, staff and the community of Espanola. This new facility will enhance the learning experience for all students, both English and French,” added Lindsay Liske, Chair of the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board.

The School Board Chairs thanked the Ministry of Education for investing in the delivery of education in Espanola. 

Click here to view the official news release.

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Media contacts:

Nicole Charette

Senior Advisor, Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning 

Rainbow District School Board 

705-674-3171, ext. 7217

Paul de la Riva

Coordinator of Communications and Community Development

Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario

705-673-5626, ext. 294

[email protected] 

Jim Fitzpatrick

Communications Officer

Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board

705-945-5666