Heather Latter
With J.W. Walker School having been selected to offer the full-day Early Learning program beginning next September, the Rainy River District School Board received an update on an expansion project there during its regular monthly meeting last night.
Minutes from the Finance Committee’s meeting in June indicated the work is to include:
•expanding the size of the classrooms from 1,100 to 1,300 sq. ft.;
•moving the storage from within the existing classrooms to an addition;
•removing the digital media rooms;
•adding one additional washroom in each classroom; and
•relocating the existing below grade entrance/exit.
Capital requirements were submitted and approved by the Ministry of Education back in December in the amount of $754,834.
With an architect working on plans, the intent is to have the drawings and specifications completed prior to the end of December while logistics for an early construction start in the spring of 2013 have been discussed with the principal.
Other work at J.W Walker School includes the addition of a proposed “Kiss ’n Ride” program due to concerns over congestion at the front of the school, particularly at dismissal time.
It provides a safe location and designated area for parents to drop off and pick up their children.
While a committee has been established to review options, the initial proposal is to provide a bus loop on board property at the end of Flinders Avenue and use the existing bus pick-up/drop-off for the “Kiss ‘n Ride” program.
“It would be much safer for all concerned,” stressed trustee David Kircher, who presented the report last night.
The architect is arranging for a civil engineer consultant to complete an assessment of the scope of work, and will be providing a further report to the J.W. Walker Committee.
Once a plan is developed, the project will require municipal approval.
Meanwhile, Robert Moore School also will see some work done to compete the grounds there, including a “Kiss ’n Ride” program as well.
This would mean relocating the bus pick-up/drop-off to Crowe Avenue and a bus loop at the west entrance on Fourth Street.
Drawings and specifications for the work on the school grounds are roughly 90 percent complete, and include an outdoor play area, ball diamond, two soccer fields, fencing, basketball courts, relocating play structures, a Huffman plaza, and outdoor learning areas.
The intent is to finalize the project details by this fall and tender early in 2013.
Also at last night’s meeting, the board:
•presented its Recognition of Excellence award to Angela Petsnick of the Environmental Education Committee, who initiated several projects over the past year to engage students in their learning, especially in creating healthy, environmentally-conscious schools, while developing leadership in students;
•heard a presentation regarding the Best Start Network partnership;
•agreed to support the naming of the new Robert Moore School gymnasium after Jim Oster; and
•approved the following policies: 1.08 Trustee Code of Conduct, 4.63 Extra-Curricular Activities, 5.10 Field Trips, 8.33 Donations to the Board, and 8.38 Investments.
