Trustees Vote to Approve New Wainfleet Elementary School
On Tuesday, November 27, DSBN Trustees voted to build a new elementary school for students in Wainfleet, subject to certain conditions. The Trustees’ decision concludes the Wainfleet Accommodation Review by supporting an amalgamation of William E. Brown and Winger public schools.
“The Winger and William E. Brown buildings have served their communities admirably for many years. However, the time has come to give students a bright and modern facility capable of supporting student learning for the next 50 years,” said Diane Chase, Trustee for Wainfleet and West Lincoln.
The new school would open its doors in September 2021 and serve over 440 DSBN students. A location for the school has not been determined.
The new build is subject to funding from the Ministry of Education and a partnership with the Niagara Catholic District School Board (NCDSB) to share space. The school would bring together the populations of William E. Brown, Winger, and St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School. In this scenario, the DSBN and the NCDSB would continue to operate separate schools under the same roof.
The DSBN has a successful joint-use school partnership with the Niagara Catholic board in Niagara Falls where Kate S. Durdan Public School and Loretto Catholic Elementary School share space. “Once the Niagara Catholic board completes its process, we look forward to working with them to establish a partnership for the new joint-use school,” said Warren Hoshizaki, DSBN Director of Education.
Both Winger and William E. Brown are older buildings. Winger was built in 1950 and William E. Brown was constructed in 1914. A new building would bring together students, staff, and resources into one location. It will result in more learning opportunities, athletics, and extra-curricular activities for students.
In June 2017, the Ontario Government announced a moratorium on most new accommodation reviews in the province. However, the government permitted reviews for joint-use school projects, which enabled the Wainfleet Accommodation Review to take place.