The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) senior administration has decided to repurpose the John N. Given Public School site for alternative programs.
With the repurpose plan, the site will not be declared a property surplus to the Board’s needs.
Last May, LKDSB trustees approved the consolidation of the John N. Given Public School Kindergarten to Grade 8 English Language Program at Tecumseh Public School for this September; the relocation of the John N. Given Public School Grade 7 and 8 French Immersion Program to McNaughton Avenue Public School in last September, and the closure of John N. Given as of July 1.
Currently, the LKDSB’s Adult & Continuing Education program occupies a leased property in Chatham. As well, the LKDSB currently houses some alternative Special Education programs in various locations throughout the area, such as the Positive Alternative to Suspension from School (PASS) program and Section 23, which offers educational programming to students who require an alternative to a traditional classroom setting.
Senior administration decided to consolidate these programs into the John N. Given Public School site in order to consolidate resources and support services, as well as create efficiencies for the system.
“After thoughtful consideration of the needs of the LKDSB and the community, we believe repurposing the John N. Given Public School site will be a positive transition for the students and staff who are currently decentralized throughout our system. By bringing them together in one site, staff will be able to better support our students and each other. As well, this move is expected to continue to create efficiencies for the system,” said Director Jim Costello in a media release.
The LKDSB is working with its students and community partners to notify them of the location change, which is expected to be effective this September.
