Site selected for new Trenton, N.S. school to replace aging elementary, middle schools

Parents and staff have raised health concerns at Trenton Elementary School. (CTV Atlantic/ Hafsa Arif)

Nova Scotia has selected a site for a new school slated to be built in Pictou County.

The new school will replace Trenton Elementary and Trenton Middle schools. It will run from pre-primary to Grade 8 and accommodate around 300 students.

“This is exciting news for Trenton,” said Brendan Maguire, minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “Thank you to the community members, families and educators who provided feedback during the process. Your input is essential as we work together to build a school that supports student achievement and well-being and the future of the town.”

Trenton Elementary School was built in 1966 and has 136 students in pre-primary to Grade 4. Trenton Middle School built in 1925 has 108 students in Grades 5 to 8.

Concerns about the aging schools came to a head in October when heavy rainfall caused water to pour through the ceiling of the middle school. Parents also had safety concerns surrounding the air quality after students had frequent congestion and even nosebleeds.

The school will be built on land next to the Trenton Minor Sports Community Centre and Trenton Park.

The site was chosen by the departments of Public Works and Education, and Early Childhood Development, after evaluation of land options and community feedback.

“We are thrilled to see this important milestone reached for Trenton’s new school. The community’s dedication and input have been invaluable throughout this process, and we look forward to continuing this journey together,” said Karyn Cooling, regional executive director of Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education.

The province said the site chosen best meets program needs, offers safe access for students and buses and provides opportunities to share community infrastructure.

The next step for the school is the design phase, which will involve a steering team who will consult with parents, community members and school staff.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Hafsa Arif

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