There's a possibility a new French immersion school could be built in Sarnia.
St. Clair Catholic District School Board Director Dan Parr says that's just one recommendation in a detailed five-year capital plan that addresses declining enrollment and aging facilities.
"We currently face about a $60-million cost in terms of the renewal needs of our facilities over the next five years. So $60-million is what is need to keep all of our facilities up to date and in very good shape," he says. "We currently receive approximately $3-million per year for facilities projects."
Parr says they have 17% excess pupil space because of declining enrollment at some schools while others are over capacity.
Sarnia's Gregory A. Hogan school, for example, is at 111% capacity and is expected to rise to 146% in five years.
One of the business cases being suggested is to purchase property in Sarnia for a new French immersion school, relocate Sacred Heart students to Gregory Hogan with the undersized gym being replaced. The Sacred Heart property would be disposed of.
