The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) is organizing a community meeting to discuss boundary changes related to a new $22.9 million French Immersion elementary school being constructed at the intersection of Girard Street and Rourke Line in Belle River, Ontario. This school, set to open in September 2027, will accommodate 582 students and will serve as a single-track French Immersion institution, absorbing students from Belle River Public School and Lakeshore Discovery Public School. Effective September 1, 2027, all Kindergarten to Grade 8 students wishing to enroll in French Immersion from the affected schools will attend the new facility. Todd Awender, Superintendent of Education for the GECDSB, emphasized the importance of informing the community well in advance and addressing any questions from parents during the meeting. The decision to establish a dedicated French Immersion school was made in response to ongoing overcapacity issues at the existing public schools, which currently utilize several portables. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new school took place on March 5, 2026. Parents and community members are encouraged to participate in the meeting at Lakeshore Discovery on Wednesday at 6 p.m..