Burlington, ON - March 4, 2010 - Historic reference and community contributions reflected in school names.

Trustees reviewed community submissions and committee shortlists, and listened to two delegations before determining names for three of the Halton District School Board’s newest elementary schools, at their March 3, 2010 Board meeting. 

Student Cameron Pike presented a delegation recognizing the historical significance of the Underground Railway in Oakville and the contributions of James W. Hill, who assisted others to escape slavery.  The second delegation from John Challinor, Milton historian, spoke to the relevance of naming the Milton school after community supporter, humanitarian and philanthropist Tiger Jeet Singh.
 
The new elementary school being built in the Clearview area (2860 Kingsway Drive), of Oakville had four nominations come forward for its name:  Clearview Woods Public School, Dr. Dave Williams Public School, Kingsview Forest Public School and James W. Hill Public School. 

Following the nominations, trustees narrowed the selection by indicating their preferred name in a ballot process. With a leader coming from that selection process, a motion was brought forward and approved to name the new school James W. Hill Public School.

For the new Milton elementary school (640 Yates Drive), four nominations were also brought forward:  Tiger Jeet Singh Public School, Coates Crossing Public School, Robert McCaw Public School, and John Deacon Public School.

Again, following the nominations, ballots were used to narrow the selection, with a motion brought forward and approved to name the new school Tiger Jeet Singh Public School.

The new elementary school in Palermo (2561 Valleyridge Drive, Oakville), generated several nominations as well.  Palermo Public School, Kepler Public School, Ellis Bell Public School, and two versions of a name honouring Dr. Roberta Bondar (Bondar Public School, and Dr. Roberta Bondar Public School) were nominated.

The selection process by ballot resulted in a tie between Dr. Roberta Bondar Public School and Palermo Public School.  As per the Board’s by-laws, when a tie vote occurs, both names are put on separate ballots and a selection is then drawn.  The name chosen in this case, and brought forward and approved as a motion, named the new school Palermo Public School.

All three schools are scheduled to open in September 2010.  Information on the construction progress can be found on the Halton District School Board website at:  www.hdsb.ca

For additional information, contact:
Marnie Denton, Communications Manager
Halton District School Board 
(905) 335-3663, (905) 842-3014, (905) 878-8451