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Public board spends $2.2 million on school

Near North District School Board news release At the January 24, 2006 Board meeting, the Near North District School Board “paid off” the $2.
Near North District School Board news release

At the January 24, 2006 Board meeting, the Near North District School Board “paid off” the $2.2 million difference between the monies received for the replacement of Frank Casey Public School from the Ministry of Education and the actual cost of the new White Woods Public School.

The school that was opened in the West Nipissing area of the District has almost 300 students. The initial funding was for approximately 230 students. The Board was able to draw upon reserves to remove any “un-funded” long term debt on the building.

The Board is hopeful that this approach to fiscal management will be recognized as it approaches the Ministry of Education for the replacement of Almaguin Highlands Secondary School.

In addition to the $2.2 dedicated to the White Woods Public School construction, the Board committed another $2.1 million to other projects and initiatives.

The largest single amount after the White Woods Public School project is a $1.5 million “replenishment” of a special reserve for science lab renovations.

It is expected that these monies will be allocated as part of a broader capital plan currently under consideration by the Board.

Other important projects include:



* An additional $85,000 beyond the $300,000 previously allocated for video surveillance in Near North District School Board secondary schools;
* $37,000 for library renovations at W.J. Fricker Public School;
* $100,000 for the standardization of signage at schools;
* $50,000 for play field improvements at Mapleridge Public School;
* $160,000 for the purchase of data projectors to be used in classrooms across the District; and,
* $250,000 to address Health and Safety requirements.

In a related financial matter, Near North District School Board trustees agreed to allocate $500 to each school for the promotion of “in-school” Character Education programs. These monies come from a special “Trustee Program Initiative Fund” of $100,000 that is available to support special programs and initiative identified by the trustees.

The Board is fortunate to be in a positive financial position. While there are still some fiscal challenges, the Board is pleased to be able to support these important initiatives.

The Near North District School Board is proud of its improved facilities, program excellence and innovations offered to more than 13,000 students at 45 schools in the districts of Nipissing and Parry Sound.