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Construction on New North Grenville DHS
Officially Begins with Sod Turning Ceremony
 (Kemptville) – Construction on the new North Grenville District High School officially began today when a ceremonial sod turning was held at the site of the $17.3 million project.
The ceremony was attended by a range of local dignitaries including Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark, North Grenville Mayor Bill Gooch, Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) Trustee Joan Hodge, and UCDSB Director of Education David K. Thomas.
Hodge said she was pleased that work on the school has finally begun after board and municipal officials lobbied for years to make the school a reality.
“It’s been a long road but we’re finally here,” said Hodge. “We’ve worked hard to ensure that our students will have a quality building in which to learn and it makes me proud to know that the school which will be erected on this site will be the pride of the community for years to come.”
Hodge stressed that launching the successful project was only accomplished through the assistance of former MPP Bob Runciman and Mayor Gooch, who helped with lobbying efforts to ensure that the Ministry of Education made the project a priority.
The veteran trustee also noted with pride that North Grenville District High School beat the provincial average in recent grade 9 academic math testing. Eighty-five per cent of students at the school attained levels 3 and 4 in recent testing – surpassing the provincial average of 82.
“We know we have a quality teaching staff here,” said Hodge. “Now we’re giving them a quality facility where staff and students will thrive.”
“This facility will ensure that public education will have a strong presence in North Grenville for years to come,” added Thomas.
The school will be built by Taplen Construction of Ottawa. The company was selected after posting a winning bid of $13.3 million to construct the school. When architectural and consultant fees, furniture and other costs are factored in, the total value of the project will be $17.3 million.
The new school, to be built on Concession Road adjacent to South Branch Elementary School, will have an area of 78,500 square feet. It will be handicapped-accessible, and capable of serving more than 700 students, said Jeremy Hobbs, chief information and facilities officer with the Upper Canada District School Board. It will include a courtyard, brand new automotive and woodworking shops, high-speed wireless and wired networks, a library and a double gym.
The opening date for the new school is September 2012.
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