Castleton school tender awarded

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) awarded the contract on August 27 to build a new school in Castleton. The $6,790,000 contract, awarded to Tass Contractors Inc. came in significantly higher than the estimated cost of $4.8 million.

After Ministry of Education approval in May, 2009, KPRDSB proceeded to tender for construction of the Castleton/South Cramahe replacement school.

“We’re very excited to move forward in our efforts to create a modern, first class learning environment for the students of Cramahe township,” says Diane Lloyd, Chairperson of the Board.

In June 2008 the Board approved the consolidating of the Castleton and South Cramahe public schools, and the construction of a new school at the present site of Castleton public school. The school is scheduled to open September, 2010. The new school will consolidate the enrollments of the existing public schools which are considered prohibitive to repair.

The Kawartha Pine Ridge (KPR) District School Board confirmed the project on Jan. 30, 2009 after the province heard an appeal by some families from South Cramahe Public School.

"This (the decision to choose the Castleton location) was a difficult decision for us, as it was for the local review committee. We tried to be responsive and open-minded to both communities, and explore all available options," KPR board chair Diane Lloyd said Friday.

"At the end of the day, we believe the entire community will benefit from a new, modern building that will support student success for generations to come."

Michele Adams is the principal for both affected schools. Ms. Adams said in January, "While this has been a long and challenging process for both schools, a new and modern facility represents a great educational opportunity for all the students involved. I am looking forward to working with the students, staff, parents, and community members as we move forward with this project."

No start date or projected completion date was announced.