Construction Delays Spark Outrage Over Ontario School’s Opening

Construction delays for a new school in Parry Sound, Ontario, have left hundreds of students without in-person classes, triggering protests and a provincial review of the school board’s governance. The Near North District School Board announced that the new facility, designed to accommodate students from junior kindergarten to Grade 12, would not open as planned on September 2, 2025. This decision affects high school students who must now rely on remote learning, leaving parents and students seeking answers.

Rob Hammond, whose daughter is autistic and a Grade 12 student, expressed his frustration over the delay and lack of communication from the school board. “She wants to be in school, she’s keen to go to school… it’s tough on her,” he said. The new school, often referred to as a “super school,” was initially proposed over a decade ago to merge McDougall Public School and Nobel Public School, along with a community centre near the existing high school.

The project’s evolution has sparked controversy. Initially, the school board assured residents that the new school and high school would be separate. However, trustees later decided to house all students from three schools under one roof, despite strong opposition from parents. This merger has raised concerns about overcrowding and the adequacy of facilities.

Construction commenced in 2023, but the board’s announcement last month confirmed that the new building would not be ready in time for the start of the school year. In a statement dated August 26, the board said it had decided to move Grade 9 to 12 students to remote learning, while younger students would attend the existing elementary schools. The board acknowledged the impact of this delay and committed to providing support, including mental health resources for students.

Education Minister Paul Calandra responded to the situation by initiating a “full governance review” of the Near North District School Board. He emphasized his disappointment and frustration in a letter to parents, stating, “This delay is unacceptable. It highlights the weakness of the existing school board governance structure.”

Parents, including Christie-Lynn Constable, voiced their concerns about the effectiveness of remote learning. Constable, who homeschooled her children during their elementary years, noted that online education lacks the engagement of in-person interactions. Her daughter, a Grade 12 student, is particularly affected as she aims for university scholarships through sports, now compromised by the closure of the school.

Construction of the previous high school began in July 2025, and parents are questioning the decision to demolish it without assurance that the new facility would be ready. Constable remarked, “We’re left kind of shaking our heads as to why did you start tearing down the school if we didn’t know that the new school was for sure going to be ready for students?”

Connectivity issues pose additional challenges for some students in rural areas. Many lack reliable internet access or the necessary equipment for effective remote learning. Local municipalities have stepped in to provide Wi-Fi access for affected students, but the situation remains precarious.

In response to the delayed opening, students and parents have organized rallies to protest what they perceive as mismanagement by the school board. Signs at these gatherings, including one that read, “Clicking isn’t learning,” underscore the frustrations felt by the community. Amy Black, an organizer of the first rally, emphasized the need for transparency and communication regarding the duration of remote learning, which she described as having a “psychological impact” on students.

Hammond highlighted that the consequences of this situation extend beyond students. Teachers too have been left without access to the school facilities necessary for lesson preparation and delivery. Furthermore, parents have raised concerns about the adequacy of the new school’s design, questioning whether it will sufficiently accommodate all students and provide necessary spaces for subjects like music and second languages.

As this situation continues to unfold, the community remains on edge, awaiting updates on the school’s status and the school board’s plans for governance. The impact of the delays on students and families is palpable, with many looking for accountability and assurance that their educational needs will be met in the future.