A new elementary school is coming to Millbrook.
On Tuesday night, Trustees with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board heard about the approval of more than $100 million in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Education for two new schools in the board.
A $75.9 million investment will fund the construction of a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 school in Newcastle, while $24.2 million has been allocated for a new elementary school in Millbrook.
“Schools are the hubs of the communities we serve, and we believe in the importance of wrap-around services for students and families, from preschool to graduation,” said Jaine Klassen Jeninga, Chairperson of the Board. “We extend our sincere thanks to the provincial government for these capital investments to bring that vision to life in these communities.”
In Millbrook, the funding will support a new elementary school with space for 481 students and 73 licensed childcare spots in the Towerhill North Neighbourhood. Trustee Angela Lloyd played a key role in advocating for this project, emphasizing the urgent need for expanded school infrastructure to accommodate a growing student population.
The Newcastle project will see the construction of a 1,445-pupil capacity JK to Grade 12 school, along with a three-room childcare centre.
The funding announcement follows an established application process within the Ministry of Education. Last fall, the Board submitted five priority funding requests, with Newcastle and Millbrook identified as the top two priorities.
“We greatly welcome the capital funding for both these projects as a positive step in meeting the needs of our students and families in these communities for many years to come,” Klassen Jeninga said.
