It was a packed house at Masonville Public School on Monday after power was lost to the nine of the school’s 14 portables just after the school day got underway.
About half of the school’s approximately 600 students are in portables and they all had to be moved into the main building for the balance of the day.
By early Tuesday, the Thames Valley District School Board says students were able to return to 11 of the 14 portables with the almost everyone back before the day was out, with minor issues still being worked on by Facilities Department starff.
A complicating factor in the power outage was the bitter cold, with a midday high of -13C.
Masonville School Council Chair Tracy Leckie says that resulted in outdoor recesses being cancelled.
Leckie says the episode adds to the frustration for parents who have been waiting for what they believe is a long-overdue expansion.
There was $5.9 million in funding announced by the province in March of 2018.
But, recognizing the plans for expansion still wouldn’t meet growth demands in the region, the TVDSB requested that the province let them re-allocate existing funds make further improvements to Masonville.
After going back and forth with the province, Leckie says the school still doesn’t have firm commitment on funding.
In a statement, the TVDSB says, "The Board continues to work with the Ministry of Education to expedite the planned addition and renovation project at Masonville. The Board is hopeful TVDSB can move forward as soon as possible to relieve the significant pressure on learning areas, gymnasium space and washrooms."
