ncdsb chairThe Northeastern Catholic District School Board of Trustees approved a motion at their Board of Trustee Meeting on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 to move forward with an Accommodation Review of O’Gorman High School, O’Gorman Intermediate Catholic School, Sacred Heart School, St. Paul School, the ACCESS Centre and the Catholic Education Centre.

This ARC process is limited to all of the English Catholic Schools and Board facilities located in the Timmins area (with the exception of St. Joseph School, located in South Porcupine).

Richard Brassard, Board Chair commented, “My fellow Trustees and I approved a motion to start a Timmins Pupil Accommodation Review.  As stated in the NCDSB policy F-3, The Northeastern Catholic District School Board is committed to providing a comprehensive range of educational opportunities equitably distributed across a broad and diverse geographical area through sustainable community schools.”

“We feel at this time it is prudent for us to review our schools and facilities in Timmins. We look forward to working with the Accommodation Review Committee and will take its recommendations into consideration when making our final decision about our future plans. We will ensure that the educational experience for our students is our primary focus.  We will also take into account the value of our schools to the school board. Everyone will have an opportunity to share their views and opinions.  As School Board Trustees, we look forward to a robust and healthy discussion on the future of our Catholic schools in Timmins.”

The Accommodation Review will officially begin January 4, 2016 and will follow the timeline and process outlined by the Ministry of Education and NCDSB Policy F-3.   Each school/facility will be reviewed as to current enrolment and future enrolment projections and its current physical condition. Long-term capital planning and an open public consultation will take place with all community stakeholders.

The Accommodation Review Committee will have representatives from each of the schools to be reviewed and will include parents/guardians, educators, board officials, as well as business and municipal leaders.

An upcoming schedule for public consultation meetings and ARC timeline will be announced and all information relating to this ARC process can be found on the NCDSB website (www.ncdsb.on.ca).