The push is on to finish renovations at a school in Barrie that suffered $1-million worth of damage from a fire in the spring. The cleanup and repairs have been a big job, with just weeks to go before school starts It's hard to believe it's the same place. Assikinack Public School caught on fire at the beginning of June. The fire was treated as suspicious from the beginning. Police say they are still waiting for the Ontario Fire Marshall's report. “There were reports of people in that building when we got here, that alone and the extent of the damage was suspicious,” said Angela Butler of the Barrie Police Service. With back-to-school just around the corner, the Fremeau family is hoping Assikinack will be open and their kids will be able walk there like they used to. “I want them to start out the school year in a calm fashion,” says Megan Fremeau. “And going back is the best scenario for that. I would hate for them to have to start out at different schools again.” After the fire the school had to close, forcing students, teachers and parents to make other plansfor the last couple of weeks of school. For many it was a difficult way to finish the year. “I went to Hyde Park and I had to take buses,” lamented Logan Fremeau. His sister, Sydney, was at another school. “I wasn't even in the same school as my brother and my friends. It was really tough because I just felt really alone.” But school board officials had good news today. “We can absolutely say school will be open first day,” promised Erin Schwartz, corporate risk officer with Simcoe County District School Board. Every surface has been scrubbed, halls have been repainted. The library books were cleaned and will soon be back on the shelves. Crews were even able to save the student mural in the front hall. Police are hoping with everyone coming back they might get new leads. “Someone out there knows something I'm sure,” says Constable Butler. “Kids like to gossip about things that have been happening and we're hoping that they'll tell one of their parents and they'll get in contact with us.” The school board is hoping for a fresh start. “It's been a very positive experience and I think this school is going to come together tighter than ever and next year we'll just build on that,” said Schwartz. The school office will be open starting August 25th. Parents can call if they have any questions or go to the school and board website forupdated information.
