By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News
The contract for an expansion and modernization project at Good Shepherd Catholic School in Thamesville has been awarded to a Dresden company.
Agri-Urban Building Inc. has been awarded the $895,444 project from the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, which was announced at its June 16 board meeting.
The project includes mechanical and accessibility upgrades to the facility along with renovations to support expanded childcare programming in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the Thamesville and Area Early Learning Centre childcare provider.
Four outdated mechanical classroom unit ventilators will be replaced with modern electric units, and upgrades will be made to the main office mechanical system and the existing universal washroom to meet current standards.
A classroom that is currently closed will be renovated to create a new 24-space preschool room to expand on-site programming, complete with a dedicated outdoor play space and a separate entrance.
“This exciting investment will help Good Shepherd continue to shine as a welcoming place where students can learn, grow, and thrive,” said Lisa Demers, Director of Education. “By enhancing safe, accessible learning spaces and expanding access to high-quality childcare, we are supporting families and helping build a bright future for the school community.”
John Van Heck, Chair of the Board, said the SCCDB is happy to partner with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the childcare provider to make this expansion possible.
“Partnerships like this strengthen our Catholic school communities and provide meaningful supports for young children and families,” Van Heck said.
Funding for the project will come from School Condition Improvement funds, accessibility funding, and third-party funding from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, directly supported through the Ministry of Education.
The Good Shepherd’s approval brings the Board’s total 2025-26 capital investment to $5.22 million across nine projects.
Other projects in Chatham-Kent schools funded by the $5.22-million capital investment include $373,844 to expand and upgrade the backyard pavement and sports amenities at St. Anne’s Catholic School in Blenheim; portable classrooms at St. Angela Merici and St. Teresa of Calcutta, the two newest Catholic elementary schools in Chatham, and accessibility and security upgrades at Holy Family and St. Elizabeth schools in Wallaceburg for $575,844.
Meanwhile, St. Clair’s Board of Trustees approved a balanced $160.6 million budget for the 2026-27 school year at the same monthly meeting.
The financial plan reflects years of thoughtful decision-making and long-term capital planning, allowing the Board to direct resources where they have the greatest influence and ensure students continue to learn in safe, modern, and supportive environments.
“Our 2026-2027 budget reflects the strength of our long-term planning and our commitment to investing directly in students,” said Amy Park, Associate Director, Corporate Services. “Because of careful stewardship and responsible decisions over many years, we can maintain a balanced budget while continuing to support the programs, people, and environments that help students learn and grow.”
A major focus of this year’s budget is the creation of 17 new Special Education and mental health positions, expanding the Board’s capacity to meet diverse learning needs and provide timely, compassionate support for students.
These new roles strengthen school-based teams, enhance early intervention, and ensure students receive the assistance they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
“This budget reflects our deep commitment to helping every student believe, achieve, and accompany one another in faith and learning,” Demers said. “Our Trustees have consistently supported decisions that put students first.
Their leadership ensures we can continue investing in the programs, people, and environments that help our young people thrive.”