Funding announced for replacement school in Savant Lake
Tim Brody - Editor
The Ontario Ministry of Education has announced funding for a replacement school in Savant Lake.
The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board shared the news on Nov. 3, thanking both the Ministry of Education and Government of Ontario for their support of the Savant Lake school community.
“The replacement school will be built on the existing school property and will provide a mix of 21st century classroom models and board designed innovative spaces for multipurpose use. The new building is expected to have the highest energy efficient design of all facilities in the KPDSB. Students and families can also look forward to a school playground redesign to provide increased outdoor learning opportunities,” the school board shared through a media release.
The replacement school is anticipated to open for the 2023-2024 school year.
The school board noted that modular and prefabricated construction techniques will be explored for increased quality control and timelines.
“Hard-working families in Savant Lake deserve access to high quality education opportunities and our government is delivering on their behalf,” said Ontario’s Education Minister Stephen Lecce. “The Government of Ontario is taking action to provide students with modern, technologically-connected and accessible classrooms that will prepare them for lifelong success.”
Holly Szumowski, Principal of Savant Lake Public School, stated, “To see this type of investment in rural education for our students, staff, families, and community is exciting. We look forward to involving our school community in the process of building a new school.”
Sherri-Lynne Pharand, KPDSB Director of Education, added, “We are very excited for the opportunity for a new build in Savant Lake. Our commitment to our students is to provide the best possible educational opportunities in the best possible environments. We thank the Minister of Education and the Ministry of Education for this financial support.”