Construction Delays Spark Protests Over New Parry Sound School

Parents and students in Parry Sound, Ontario, are expressing their frustration over the delayed opening of a new school, which was originally scheduled to commence operations on September 2, 2025. The school, designed to accommodate students from junior kindergarten through Grade 12, remains closed due to construction setbacks, forcing high school students to rely on online learning.

Rob Hammond, whose autistic daughter has attended classes in person throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the emotional toll this delay has taken. He noted that his daughter, now in Grade 12, is one of many in the community facing an uncertain educational future. With the previous school partially demolished and the new facility not ready, students are left without a proper learning environment.

The concept for the new school, referred to as a “super school,” was initially proposed over a decade ago. The plan aimed to merge two elementary schools, McDougall Public School and Nobel Public School, along with a community centre. Hammond stated that the school board had previously assured locals that the high school would remain a separate entity, a promise that was later altered, sparking significant opposition from parents.

“The decision to combine the schools has been a point of contention,” Hammond remarked. “This was never something we wanted.” Construction for the new facility began in 2023, yet the board announced last month that high school students would transition to remote learning, while younger pupils would attend the existing elementary schools until the new building is complete.

In a statement released on August 26, the Near North District School Board acknowledged the impact of the delay and committed to providing support for affected families, including mental health resources for students. However, the board has not directly responded to media inquiries regarding the situation.

Education Minister Paul Calandra has since initiated a full governance review of the school board, expecting a report within 30 days. In a letter addressed to parents, Calandra expressed his disappointment and frustration with the delay, 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.”

The move to remote learning has raised concerns among parents about the effectiveness of online education. Christie-Lynn Constable, a mother of two high school students, emphasized the challenges of keeping students engaged in a digital format. “It’s harder for a lot of students to stay engaged and to learn what they’re supposed to be learning when it’s coming over a screen,” she said.

With the previous high school demolished in July, parents are questioning why the construction of the new school commenced if there was uncertainty about its completion. “We’re left kind of shaking our heads,” Constable remarked, highlighting the confusion surrounding the timeline.

Many students in rural areas are facing additional challenges with unreliable internet connections, further complicating their ability to participate in online learning. Local municipalities have stepped in to provide spaces with reliable Wi-Fi for those in need.

In response to the ongoing situation, students and parents have organized protests, calling attention to what they describe as mismanagement by the school board. At one recent rally, a student held a sign that read, “Clicking isn’t learning,” capturing the sentiment of many in the community.

Hammond, who also serves as the president of the local teachers’ union, noted that the consequences of the board’s mismanagement extend beyond students to affect teachers as well. They will lack access to the new school for lesson preparation.

Concerns persist about the new school’s ability to accommodate all students from junior kindergarten to Grade 12 adequately. Many parents worry about the availability of space and access to essential facilities such as gyms, as well as the absence of dedicated classrooms for subjects like music and foreign languages.

As the situation unfolds, parents and community members continue to advocate for transparency and accountability from the school board. The outcome of the governance review and the eventual opening of the new school will be closely watched as the community seeks to restore stability to the educational landscape in Parry Sound.