The LDCSB is still experiencing extreme growth in student population, up 30 percent in five years. However, the rapid growth comes with significant financial pressures in a number of areas, including costs related to portable leasing, transportation, utilities, land costs for future growth and more. These costs are projected to result in an operating deficit of $2.3 million for the year. The lower overall deficit is due to offset costs related to a land purchase.
“We are happy to welcome as many students as we can, but the bottom line is that we need more new schools,” said Debbie Jordan, Executive Superintendent of Business and Corporate Services. “Our capital priorities submission earlier this year included four elementary and two new high schools, all of which are desperately needed. At the same time, we continue to allocate resources to prioritize student learning and supports to our system.”
School Construction Updates:
• St. Gabriel elementary school in NW London will open in January 2025.
• Elementary schools in NE London and the Komoka-Kilworth area are in the planning stages.
• An addition at St. Anne’s elementary school in St. Thomas was completed for the Fall
• Construction on the new Regina Mundi College secondary school is well underway.
• The LDCSB has added 130 new portables over the past three school years, including more than 50 for the 2024-25 school year.
Capital Priorities Submitted to the Ministry of Education (in order of priority):
1. New North London Secondary School (1,999 students and 88-space childcare centre)
2. New Southwest London Elementary School (655 students and 88-space childcare centre)
3. New Southeast London Elementary School (655 students and 88-space childcare centre)
4. New St. Thomas Elementary School (424 students and 88-space childcare centre)
5. New St. Thomas Secondary School (826 students)
6. Replacement St. Patrick, Lucan Elementary School (424 students)