Public and high school education demands met as increased enrolment from 'Baby Boom' hits Chapleau in the early 1960s

As the "baby boom" after World War II hit Chapleau in the early 1960s, the community was faced with the reality that additional space was required at Chapleau Public School while plans were also underway for a new Chapleau High School.

The Sudbury Star reported that if plans for a new high school and additions and alterations at the public school became a reality, the taxpayer was "going to get a jolt" according to Reeve Arthur Grout apparently "not too happily".

Mr. Grout made his comments at a joint meeting of council, public school board and high school board pinting out that a tax increase of 15 percent had shot up to 25 percent when education costs were included.

He added that a number of things council planned to do would have to be eliminated , "however education demands must be met."

At the meeting the high school board was represented by Chair Len Harris and members Richard Selin and George Collins, and the public school board by chair Frank Coulter and members Doug Jardine and Mansel Robinson.

High school principal Dr. Karl Hackstetter and public school principal Foy Wright were also there.

Mr. Coulter explained that a $90,000 debenture had been approved by the Ontario Municipal Board for public school expansion.

Mr. Wright explained that public school enrolment in 1962-63 had reached 277 pupils in a school designed for 180. 

These pupils were in eight rooms, one being part of a hallway and one the assembly room. Mr. Wright said the situation was hard on "teachers, pupils and parents. More space is essential".

So, what happened?

Renovations were undertaken at the public school, and by 1966, the "new" high school on the hill was opened, with plans to expand it underway almost as soon as it replaced the school on Pine Street. The public school was also expanded. 

From 1966 to 1972, some public school classes were held in the old high school It was demolished in 1975 to make way for the Chapleau Civic Centre officially opened in June 1978.

Notwithstanding the challenges brought about by the postwar "baby boom", the members of the public school and high school boards , met them and the education needs of the community were met. The two boards were merged into the Chapleau Board of Education by 1966. 

My email is mj.morris@live.ca