nndsb2It won’t be too long before students at the Near North District School Board are back in the classroom.

The maintenance staff has been busy in recent weeks preparing the schools for the new year.Construction of the new elementary school at the Pinewood Public School site is underway.

Renovations have already taken place to the full day kindergarten program at Alliance and parking has been expanded as well.

School offices will be open tomorrow so new students can register and parents can ask any questions.

On Thursday, support staff and teachers start their professional learning activities.

It’s a year that will begin without one of the Near North Board’s familiar voices.

Long-time trustee and former chair Kathy Hewitt passed away in July, and board officials say there will be a fitting tribute to her this year.

As well, there’s been some rerouting of bus routes because of road construction projects in Nipissing and officials say student transportation services have had a busy few weeks doing that.