A new elementary school slated to be built in north Woodstock will be larger than originally planned.
The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) announced Friday that the Ministry of Education had approved an additional $8 million in funding for the $25.6 million new facility at 717 Knights Lane.
"I'm thrilled that this funding will enable us to increase the size of the future Woodstock elementary school from 660 to 856 students," said Thames Valley Director of Education, Mark Fisher.
"This investment will ensure families and students have access to a quality learning environment in the years ahead," added Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford.
The additional funding will also allow for a five-room child care centre for 10 infants, 30 toddlers, and 48 preschoolers.
The board pitched the idea of expanding the size of the future school to the ministry in June. The expansion is meant to accommodate a significant increase in the number of homes being built in the area.
Ontario's Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, said that the funding is part of the provincial government's commitment to build and modernize schools in fast growing communities.
"We are proud to deliver this critical expansion to the capacity of the new Woodstock Public School for local families, along with increasing funding, staffing and a back-to-basics focus on reading, writing and math skills to help ensure students graduate with confidence that they can succeed in good-paying careers," Lecce added.
The school is expected to be completed by the 2026/27 school year, pending additional ministry approvals.