North End Halifax School Delayed: Parents Frustrated by Lack of Communication
Parents and students in the north end of Halifax are still waiting for the new St. Joseph’s-Alexander McKay Elementary School (SJAM) to be built, five years after the initial promise. The ongoing delays and lack of transparency from the province and the Halifax Regional Centre for Education are causing frustration within the community.
Years of Delays and Unfulfilled Promises
Originally slated to open in 2023, the opening of St. Joseph’s-Alexander McKay Elementary was first pushed back to September of this year, but construction remains incomplete. Parent Paul Lenarczyk voices the shared sentiment, stating, "The lack of communication has been very frustrating." Families feel they have been left in the dark since 2021, when their previous school was demolished with the understanding that a new one would be built.
Since the demolition, students have been attending classes at the former Beaufort School building in the south end, initially intended as a temporary arrangement for two years. However, "Now, it’s year five," explains Lenarczyk, "And the school is rundown. It’s infested. There’s mice problems all the time. There’s mould on the walls. The kids don’t feel very good." He adds that the space is inadequate, with a lack of essential facilities like a gymnasium.
Community Demands Transparency and Action
Parents are urging authorities for more transparency regarding the project's status. They are looking for an official opening date and requesting opportunities for dialogue with the province and the education centre. "The community in general hasn’t had very much information at all from either the province or the (Halifax Regional Centre for Education). They all seem to be passing the buck," Lenarczyk stated.
Despite being told that the school is slated to open mid-way through this school year, parents seek an official announcement, potentially through an open house or town hall meeting. They want to foster a sense of connection and collaboration in creating "a great school."
Political Scrutiny and Provincial Response
The province’s Opposition addressed the issue during Wednesday’s question period at the legislature. Halifax Needham NDP MLA Suzy Hansen questioned, "When will the minister finally give parents a straight answer on when the SJAM will open?"
Education Minister Brendan Maguire responded by stating that work on the school is "progressing." He affirmed, "This is a massive investment in the north end of Halifax. We are proud to support it, and I can’t wait for the school to be open," acknowledging the impact of the delays.