No new closures expected, as changes roll out for Sudbury English public schools

The Rainbow District School Board says it won't be considering any new student accommodations this year, and will instead focus on new building and revitalization projects in the coming months.

In February, board trustees voted to close eight English public schools in Sudbury, Ont., following a five month accommodation review to address declining enrollment and cut back on spending. The plan also included building two new schools, and revitalizing several others.

• Fewer students means less money for Sudbury schools, says Rainbow School Board Director

The review has positioned the board for years to come, so that they won't have to make many changes in the future said Director of Education Norm Blaseg.

"We have a lot of projects now that we have to tackle, and we have to make sure that we get on top of those and make sure that they come to fruition. Then we'll see what happens," he said.

Two schools closed, renovations currently underway

Some of those changes are already taking effect this school year. Webbwood Public School and Pinecrest Public School both officially closed.

Students from Webbwood will begin their first day at S. Geiger Public School in Massey this week. Pinecrest students have moved to Confederation Secondary School and Redwood Acres Public School.

• 'My kids are really disappointed': 8 schools to shut down in Sudbury area

Confederation in Valley East underwent renovations over the summer to accommodate the elementary students with a new wing, and work is currently being done on a new gymnasium

Gr. 9 to 12 French immersion students from Chelmsford Valley District Composite school have been moved to Sudbury Secondary School, as well.

Projects an "opportunity to engage and get people excited"

The school board will now be turning its attention to building a new elementary French immersion school and revitalizing four other school buildings Blaseg said.

In June, the Ministry of Education announced that the board would receive $23 million towards these projects.

Funding for a second school, to accommodate students from Lansdowne and Queen Elizabeth II public schools, was denied.

• Province investing $23M in Sudbury English public schools
• Funding denied for new combined Lansdowne, Queen Elizabeth elementary school

While the accommodation review has been controversial, — many parents were upset that smaller community and rural schools were slated for closure — Blaseg said he expects to hear positive feedback as all of the changes roll out.

He also expects enrolment for the 2017-2018 year to increase at many schools.

"Anytime there is a revitalization of a school, there is an opportunity to engage and get people excited about the new surroundings."