Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Even though the New Frontiers School Board (NFSB) shut down for a two-week break over the summer, work on several renovation projects at various schools was continued to ensure all would be up and running by September.

The board received Education Ministry funding to complete at least ten projects in nine schools as part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve school buildings. According to the NFSB’s director general, Mike Helm, the funding represents a total investment of approximately $10.6 million across the board.

At Valley schools, projects included interior renovations at Hemmingford Elementary School in the basement, cafeteria, and kitchen. Students at Heritage Elementary School in Huntingdon will notice improvements to the washrooms on the main floor, and their gymnasium floor has been refinished.

Renovations also took place in the basement at Howick Elementary School including work in the cafeteria, kitchen, and a classroom, while at Ormstown Elementary School, renovation work concentrated on the main floor and a stairway.

Finally, all the exterior doors at Chateauguay Valley Regional High School in Ormstown have been replaced, including the principal entrance.

In Chateauguay, work was done to replace windows at Howard S. Billings High School, and the entrance off Maple Street has been asphalted.

All the washrooms were upgraded at Mary Gardiner School, while renovations also took place at Saint-Willibrord Elementary in certain classrooms, the administration offices, and in the main floor washrooms. Work has also been done to improve certain classrooms, the kitchen, staffroom, music room, and daycare at Centennial Park School.

“We are in excellent shape with all of our projects,” says Helm. “All of our projects are going to be completed on time,” he added, noting the board is especially proud of the work done to improve its schools.