The newest school in the Avon Maitland District Board system is nearly ready for students.
North Perth trustee Nancy Rothwell told North Perth council Monday night that it feels great to know the long process of getting the new Listowel school is nearing an end.
"We're really excited to nearly have the school completed. We are planning closing ceremonies for the two schools in Listowel and Wallace ward that are closing in May. We also have a tentative date set for a grand opening of the new school, likely August 30th. In September we will have the students in and ready to learn. It's very, very exciting."
Rothwell also stated that the name for the new school would "be decided within the month, after our board of directors meet and decide on the name. So that should be revealed within the month."
The two schools that will close in North Perth will soon be on the market. Ted Doherty, director for the Avon Maitland District School Board, says with the new school combining students from Listowel and the Wallace ward, the old schools will be made available to the public sector first.
"We have to go through a Ministry approved process, and make the buildings available to the public sector, things like municipalities, industry, that sort of thing. If there is interest, we will sell at fair market value, and if not, it can be made available to the public for private purchase."
Doherty notes any money made from the sale will stay with Avon Maitland, but there are strict Ministry guidelines on how it may be spent.
"It is basically restricted to facilities, and the ministry must approve how we want to use it."
