The International Baccalaureate program at Chippewa has been pulled from the chopping block.

The Near North Board voted last night to rescind an earlier decision to cancel the program.

Board Chair Jay Aspin tells BayToday they didn’t have the full picture when the original decision was made.

“The real turning point was the sustainability. We can say with the full information that we eventually got, the trustees are comfortable that the program is more than sustainable,” he says.

He also says the people involved with the program pointed out it’s value to them.

“It’s better to right a wrong and the board recovered once they got the full information, they recovered quickly,” he tells BayToday.

Meantime, Mayor Al McDonald is thanking the board for keeping the program.

On social media, he says it’s a positive decision that will allow the community to continue to grow and attract more professionals and industry to the city.

Here is the mayor’s full statement:
“A significant positive decision by the NNSB trustees last night that will allow our community to continue to grow and attract more professionals and industry to the city. Education is one of the important factors in attracting international families, professionals, business and industry to a city, specially a northern city. I would like to thank Jay Aspin and his team for their decision last night, which has incalculable long term positive implications for our city. Doctor Carter along with Doctors Don Stemp, Donald Fong, Ian Cowen, Paul Preston and others have been champions from day one attracting doctors and specialists to our city with great success, are absolutely correct that programs such as the IB program, is a determining factor among medical professionals (City has attracted 15 new doctors in past 3 years) setting up practice in our community, significantly reducing orphan patients and ensuring quality medical care for our citizens. From a city economic development perspective, council and our economic staff frequently hear how important the IB program, the selection of the quality education facilities, outstanding dedicated teachers and staff (in both official languages) present in our community, along with Canadore College and Nipissing University, puts our city as a leader in the north and makes us nationally and internationally attractive place to raise a family and encourage investment. We have many community leaders making a positive difference and you know who you are. The community of North Bay is truly a special place, is perfectly aligned to grow, that will allow our children and grandchildren to stay in our city and have opportunities for good paying careers. Thank you to all involved and engaged to grow the city will love.”

 

(File photo by station staff)

 

Filed under: Near North District School Board