The revitalization of Rainbow Schools continues

Rainbow District School Board has invested close to $50 million on school improvements over the past three years as it continues to revitalize its schools, providing quality education in quality facilities.

“While the projects vary in scope, size and school, they all have one thing in common – they have enhanced the overall environment for teaching and learning for students, staff, families and communities in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin Island,” said Bruce Bourget, Chief Executive Officer of the Rainbow District School Board.

He added: “These capital projects are important because they provide the quality environments in which our staff work and our students learn. They are also a reflection of our shared pride in our schools in the communities that we serve.”

Rainbow District School Board’s capital projects align with the Board’s priorities, with a focus on safe schools, accessible buildings, welcoming entrances, inviting cafeterias, modern gymnasiums, engaging playgrounds, as well as innovative classrooms, science labs, shop areas, tech spaces and kitchen facilities to promote hands-on learning and life skills development.

“Throughout the summer, our staff worked tirelessly to complete a significant number of projects simultaneously,” said Adam Guilbault, Superintendent of Business with the Rainbow District School Board. “Thanks to their tremendous efforts, all critical work was completed before classes resumed. Some projects are close to being finalized, while others will continue throughout the school year.”

Here is a summary of recent work:

At Alexander Public School, three washrooms, including one accessible unit, were added on the third floor of the school.

New lockers were installed throughout Charles C. McLean Public School. Masonry repair work was also completed.

Exterior brick work has been ongoing at Central Manitoulin Public School. Inside the school, renovations continued including the replacement of flooring throughout the building and radiator cleaning.

Confederation Secondary School has been renovated inside and outside, including brick repair, replacement of some exterior doors, and a new dust collector near the wood shop. The cafeteria has been refreshed with new flooring and lighting. New lockers and a completely renovated science lab are nearing completion. The main entrance at Confederation Secondary School was revitalized last year to improve visibility and make the space more welcoming for students, staff and visitors.

Work at Copper Cliff Public School included the installation of a new PA system, replacement of some exterior doors and flooring, the addition of new lockers, and a washroom on the second floor.

At C.R. Judd Public School, both the upper and lower parking lots were regraded to improve drainage. The lower lot has been paved and includes new walkways leading into the school. Railings will be installed to create an inviting and accessible entrance.

Two energy recovery ventilator (ERV) units were replaced over the gymnasium at Espanola High School, including all required electrical and structural work. A new CNC machine was installed in one of the shop spaces.

A significant renovation is currently underway at Lansdowne Public School to improve accessibility. An elevator is being installed near the entrance, including the construction of a new vestibule. The main entrance has been relocated to ensure the safety of staff, students and visitors. The project will also feature expanded parking as well as renovations to the third floor, including new washrooms. This summer, additional fencing and two soccer nets were installed in the back play area of Lansdowne Public School.

At Lasalle Secondary School, several parts of the roof were replaced. The wood shop’s dust collector was relocated. To improve accessibility, a wheelchair lift was installed on one of the lower floors.

New PA and lockdown systems were installed at Little Current Public School. Work was also completed within the courtyard in the middle of the school to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in gardening and other eco-based initiatives.

Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School received a new boiler and new windows in the cafeteria. A lecture style classroom is currently being converted to a modern science lab.

A roof top ventilation unit is being replaced over the library at Lockerby Composite School. Structural work within the crawlspace was completed over the summer. A new robotics room, tech spaces and science lab were installed last year.

Boilers have been replaced at Manitoulin Secondary School as the school converted from oil to propane for greater heating efficiency. An accessible washroom was also built on the upper floor of the school.

At Markstay Public School, renovations on the upper floor included the addition of two Intensive Support Program (ISP) classrooms near the main office.

A major project at Monetville Public School is now complete with the installation of an elevator beside the main office to provide access to the lower level next to the gym. The gym has new flooring. The parking area has also been expanded.

New lockers have been installed at R.H. Murray Public School. Work continues outside the school to improve traffic flow, upgrade parking, and provide a safe bus lay-by in front of the school.

At S. Geiger Public School, renovations to the roof have been completed. Electrical work was also completed.

At Sudbury Secondary School, the parking area alongside MacKenzie Street has been levelled and re-paved to improve safety, traffic flow, and drainage.

Five ventilation units were replaced at Westmount Avenue Public School. Two classrooms were renovated to better meet the needs of students. A new kitchen facility for life skills learning and development was installed last year as well as a Snoezelen Room.

A new lockdown system was installed at R.L. Beattie Public School.

A new PA system was installed at Adamsdale Public School.

Parking and emergency lighting projects were completed at Lively District Secondary School. Exterior brick work and door replacements will continue throughout the fall.

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Media Contact:

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