Delayed Opening of Parry Sound School Triggers Protests and Review

The opening of a new school in Parry Sound, Ontario, has faced significant delays, prompting protests from parents and students, as well as a provincial review of the local school board’s governance. Originally scheduled to open on September 2, 2023, the school remains closed due to ongoing construction issues, leaving many high school students without in-person education options.

Rob Hammond, whose daughter has attended in-person classes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, expressed his frustration at the lack of communication from the Near North District School Board. Now in Grade 12, his daughter is one of hundreds facing the uncertainty of online learning. With the demolition of their previous school, parents are demanding answers regarding the delay and its implications for their children’s education.

The concept of a so-called “super school” was proposed over a decade ago, intending to merge McDougall Public School and Nobel Public School, along with a community centre at the Parry Sound High School site. Initially, the plan included separate buildings for the high school and the new school. However, the school board later decided to house all students from junior kindergarten to Grade 12 under one roof, despite concerns from local parents.

Construction of the new facility began in 2023, but the Near North District School Board announced last month that it would not be ready in time for the start of the school year. In a statement dated August 26, 2023, the board confirmed that students in Grades 9 to 12 would continue with remote learning, while younger students would attend the existing McDougall and Nobel schools until the new facility opens.

“We recognize the impact this delay may have on families and are committed to doing everything possible to support students through this transition,” the board stated, highlighting the availability of mental health support during this period.

In light of the situation, Ontario’s Education Minister, Paul Calandra, announced a “full governance review” of the school board, requesting a report within 30 days. In a letter to parents, Calandra expressed his disappointment and frustration, stating, “This delay is unacceptable. It highlights the weakness of the existing school board governance structure, and I assure you I am committed to fixing it.”

Parents are increasingly concerned about the ramifications of remote learning. Christie-Lynn Constable, a mother of two high school students, noted that online education is often less effective than in-person learning. She described the challenges her daughter faces in securing university scholarships through sports during her final year of high school. “It’s kind of shocking, the lack of accountability,” she said.

The demolition of the old high school began in July, raising questions among parents about why the process commenced without confirmation that the new school would be completed on schedule. Concerns have also been raised regarding the ability of students in rural areas to access reliable internet for online learning. In response, local municipalities have opened spaces with dependable Wi-Fi to assist those in need.

Students and parents have organized rallies to protest what they view as mismanagement by the school board. One protest saw more than a dozen students gather outside the construction site, holding signs with messages like “Clicking isn’t learning.” Amy Black, an organizer of one of the rallies, emphasized the need for transparency, stating that the uncertainty surrounding online learning has a significant psychological impact on students.

Hammond, who also serves as the president of the local teachers’ union, highlighted that the consequences of the board’s mismanagement extend beyond students. Teachers are unable to access the school building to prepare lessons, and there are ongoing concerns about the new school’s capacity to accommodate all students from junior kindergarten to Grade 12. Specific worries include insufficient space for gym facilities and a lack of dedicated classrooms for subjects such as music and second languages.

As the community navigates these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that students receive the education they deserve. The review by the provincial government aims to address the governance issues that have led to this situation, but for now, families in Parry Sound continue to seek clarity and resolution.

This report reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the Parry Sound community and the broader implications for educational governance in Ontario.