NEAR NORTH DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Trustees vote to keep McDougall Public School open for a year

Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) voted at the March 18 meeting to keep McDougall Public School open for one more year.

The school was included in an accommodation review committee (ARC) decision that would see the closure of McDougall and Nobel Public Schools, the demolition of Parry Sound High School and the construction of a new JK-12 school at the site of Parry Sound High School. The new school is set to open in September 2025.

The decision will keep McDougall Public School open for another year.

In a recorded vote, Trustees Chantal Phillips, Louise Sargent, Jeanie Fuscaldo, Howard Wesley, Shane Hall, Julie Bertram and Ashley St. Pierre voted in favour of the motion, while Trustees Bill Steer and Caren Gagne voted against it.

Board Chair Ashley St. Pierre said, "Thank you to all that sent letters to our Board and the MPP's office, expressing the concerns and support to keep McDougall Public School operational. Our Board heard your voices, and we listened. This is in the best interests for student achievement and well-being, which is our top priority."

Following the meeting, Vice-Chair Howard Wesley, who chaired the meeting, said, "Thank you to the staff, municipal leaders, our Member of Provincial Parliament Graydon Smith, and the community members for your continued dedication and overwhelming support for the students of McDougall and Nobel Elementary Schools."

For more information see this board report and this letter.