The so-called Mega School K-12 new build that was expected to be ready for students in Parry Sound is now delayed with no definitive timeline on when the school will be opening.
Near North District School Board confirmed this today with this release:
"It has now been confirmed that the new facility will not be completed in time for the first day of school in September 2025. While this is not the outcome we expected, NNDSB is implementing short-term solutions to ensure a smooth and safe start to the school year for all students.
JK-Grade 6 students who were set to attend McDougall Public School for September will attend that school location as originally planned. Students in Grades 9-12 will begin the school year at the current Parry Sound High School building. All Grades 7-8 students will attend the Nobel Public School site.
Once the new school building is complete, students and staff will transition to their new home.
Further updates for the public will be shared through the board’s website and social media channels. Families directly impacted by this delay will receive more detailed information via email."
This follows a call from the Town of Parry Sound Council to have the Near North District School Board Administration investigated during it's regular council meeting last night. Mayor Jamie McGarvey dictated a letter alongside his council members that also called on the Ministry of Education to provide a better timeline of the construction of the new build and also reinstate the West Parry Sound District School Board and cut out the NNDSB altogether.
And Minister of Education Paul Calandra responded to YourTV's request for comment with this response:
“I share the frustrations of many students and parents in Parry Sound who are disappointed with the severe setbacks and delays on the opening of the brand-new, state-of-the-art school, caused by significant mismanagement and a lack of effective oversight by the board and trustees.
At present, there is no legal authority that permits me, as Minister, to directly intervene in this matter. Nevertheless, earlier this year, I personally visited the project site and directed ministry officials to take every action within our current powers to get this project back on track.
The students of Parry Sound deserve far better. Situations like this are precisely why I have introduced legislation that, if passed, will give the ministry greater powers to intervene when trustees fail to serve the public interest.”
YourTV Muskoka has reached out to Near North District School Board and it's trustees to provide clarification on the reason for the build delay and a more defined timeline on when the new school will be completed and ready for students.