Will the Ford government build new schools in London as promised by the Liberals?

There are concerns that funding promised by the previous Liberal government to build new schools and update and expand others in the London, Ont. area may fall through.

In total, $67.4 million was promised to the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), the London Catholic School Board and the Lambton Kent District School Board to build three new schools, expand two others and update two more.

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"Our school board is currently waiting for approval from the Ministry of Education," said Matt Reid, TVDSBchair.

"As of right now, no money has flowed and we do not have approval to move forward."

The community of Summersidein southeast London rejoiced back in January at the announcementthat would see the construction of a much-needed school for some 500 students. The projected completion date for the project was slated for 2020.

We can't be playing politics with our kids.- Matt Reid, chair of the Thames Valley District School Board

"I think it's very important to recognize that the school in Summerside was a long, hard-fought battle," said Reid.

"That school has been waiting over a decade for that school."

Reid said the board has been asked for information from the ministry, but there has been no word about getting approval. If the projects are not approved by mid-December, construction could be delayed by a year.

"I think everyone's very anxious. We've done the hard work of trying to close some schools and secure funding to build others," said Reid.

"Whenyou look at a school like Masonville, they have well over 13 portables on site and we need to get some permanent accommodation at that school."

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The board of trustees will have their final meeting next Tuesday, before the newly elected trustees move into their roles. Reid says they may put forward a motion for him to write a letter to the Minister of Education, Lisa Thompson, to bring the situation to her attention.

"These previously approved and announced projects need to move forward and it should not be held up because of politics," he said.

"These communities have been waiting for far too long in order to have permanent additions and a local school in their community. We can't be playing politics with our kids."

In an email statement, Ministry of Education spokesperson Heather Irwin did not speak directly to the status of the projects planned for London, but said the ministry is working closely with school boards to ensure new builds meet community needs and "deliver good value for the Ontario taxpayers."

"The Ministry of Education will continue to work with board staff on the progress of these projects," said Irwin.

Where the money was promised

Thames Valley District School Board

• $14 million for a new school in southeast London for 500 students and 88 new child care spaces.
• $6 million for an addition atMasonvillePublic School.
• $3.7 million for an addition atTweedsmuirPublic School.

London District Catholic School Board

• $10.5 million for a new school in North London for over 500 students.
• $3.2 million for a retrofit at St. Bernadette's School.

LambtonKent District School Board

• $27.4 million for a new school in the Forest area for 1,024 students and 24 additional child care spaces.
• $2.6 million for a retrofit at Tecumseh Public School in Chatham.

The funding announcement was part of a Liberal government investment to build 39 new schools across Ontario.