​Fund-raiser launched to enhance new KDSS, slated for corner of Millennium Way and Russell Street

A local fund-raising committee has launched the "1,000 Strong: A March to a Million" to support enhancements to the new Kincardine District Senior School (KDSS), slated to be built at the corner of Millennium Way and Russell Street, Kincardine, by 2028.

KDSS principal Don Burns welcomed a small crowd to the launch, Tuesday night, in the school cafeteria, noting that there is a long list of extras in the broader $4.5-million BUILDKD-plus Campaign. However, the March to a Million is the first initiative under that campaign.

“Tonight is about momentum and belief,” said Burns who is chairman of the BUILDKD-plus Campaign. “Our ‘First 25’ donors are demonstrating what it means to be KDSS Knights who look to those who will come after them and what investing in the next chapter of KDSS means. We are working together to ensure our new school reflects the excellence and pride that defines our Knights.”

The March to a Million calls on 1,000 past, present, and future Knights to contribute $1,000 each — building a collective $1-million investment toward the overall enhancement goal.

The BUILDKD-plus Campaign will raise enhancement funds to support the following:
 

• An OFSAA-standard eight-lane track-and-field facility
• An artificial turf field with lighting
• Enhanced arts and performance spaces
• Industry-ready technological education spaces
• Gymnasium and common area upgrades
• Community-accessible athletic facilities

These enhancements go beyond the base funding provided by the government, said Burns. The campaign committee’s aim is to create inspiring, future-ready learning and activity spaces for the school and community.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Kincardine to shape our new school from the ground up," said KDSS teacher Keith Colley, a member of the campaign committee. "It is the most significant, completely-new asset in our community in decades.”

Burns said this will be a two-year campaign, working toward the best for the students at the new school. "The province provides the physical space but we believe the kids deserve more. They deserve the best possible space to enhance the phenomenal education in this place."

Bluewater District School Board trustee Jan Johnstone said the board is looking at a spring dig, with the school taking about two years to build, opening in September, 2028. It will be similar to John Diefenbaker Senior School in Hanover which is also a Grades 7-12 school, and will accommodate almost 1,000 students.

She said the project is just waiting for the severance to be approved on property on the northeast corner of Millennium Way and Russell Street, east of Highway 21. The streets have yet to be completed to allow access to the property.



KDSS principal Don Burns (left) and Bluewater District School Board trustee Jan Johnstone gather with BUILDKD-plus Campaign members and Founding Donors of the "1,000 Strong: A March to a Million" campaign, launched Tuesday night, at KDSS

Surrounded by the spirit of generations of Knights, the “First 25” founding donors were recognized as the inaugural supporters of this ambitious community appeal. Their commitment signals strong momentum as KDSS prepares for a replacement school build that will serve Kincardine and surrounding communities for the next 50-plus years.

All who donate at the $1,000 level will receive recognition including a commemorative ball cap, inclusion on the "1,000 Strong" plaque, and acknowledgement along the BUILDKD-plus walkway, celebrating their role in shaping the future of education in Kincardine.



KDSS principal Don Burns, chairman of the BUILDKD-plus Campaign, holds up a commemorative ball cap presented to everyone who donates at the $1,000 level

The first alumni donation came from the Troy Snobelen Memorial Fund, while the first staff alumni donor was former KDSS principal Mark Ozorio.

The remaining founding donors include:
 

• Don Burns
• Amy Snobelen
• Sheryl and Jeff Elliott
• Keith and Lana Colley
• Jorie Elliott and Alex Baran
• Cathy and Roger Thomson
• Bill and Sheila Collins
• Lori Templeton
• Don and Dorinda Bowers
• John and Diane Satosek
• George and Pam Plagos
• Sharon and Mike Moore
• Dan Ogilvie
• Hannah DeBruyn
• Eve Snobelen
• Carter Snobelen
• Cole Snobelen
• Mike Kirkpatrick
• Adam Winchester
• Michelle and Tony Goetz/Goncalves
• Anirudha Panditrao
• Mike Thomson
• Jesse Thomson
• Jeff Hopkins
• Kenneth Craig

For more information about the BUILDKD-plus Campaign or to donate to "1000 Strong: A March to a Million," contact KDSS at 519-396-9151 or visit the campaign Facebook page.

Donate here to March to a Million: 1,000 Strong: A March to A Million Donation or use the QR Code at right.