Cobblestone celebrates breaking ground on expansion project

Thursday, Sep 25, 2025

The threat of thunderstorms didn't dampen the official groundbreaking ceremony to mark the expansion of Cobblestone Elementary School. The celebration simply moved to the gymnasium where students, staff members, parents/caregivers, trustees, and community partners gathered to kick off the construction. 

"I’m proud to see Grand Erie continue to lead and support projects that best serve students, staff and community," said John Bradford, trustee, on behalf of the Board of Trustees. "It’s a pleasure to be here today as we celebrate the start of an exciting new chapter for Cobblestone Elementary School, with a project that signifies a significant commitment to families in this quickly growing region."

The construction work is officially underway, led by Elgin Contracting and Restoration Ltd., and will add approximately 18,300 square feet of space to the Paris school, allowing for eight new vibrant classrooms with an additional 184 student spaces to learn, explore and reach their full potential; it will also add a four-room addition to provide 64 licensed child-care spaces for infants, toddlers and preschool children. Paris Child Care, also on hand at the celebration, will operate that space. 

"In Grand Erie, we believe in building environments where students, families and staff thrive, where curiosity is nurtured and everybody is inspired," said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education, to the indoor assembly. "This evolution of Cobblestone Elementary School is an example of this vision in action."

Cobblestone learners took the lead in hosting the event, with members of the school's Coyote Crew welcoming attendees and guiding them to the indoor location. Younger learners donned hard hats, though the actual sinking of shovels into the ground would need to wait until the rain cleared. 

The project was made possible thanks to funding through the Ministry of Education as part of the Capital Priorities program and the Child Care Capital funding, and reflects Grand Erie's commitment to building spaces dedicated to learning, well-being and belonging. The project is on track for completion in the fall of 2026. 

More News

Follow the Leader for board meeting highlights
Thursday, Sep 25, 2025
Cobblestone celebrates breaking ground on expansion project
Thursday, Sep 25, 2025
A Message from the Director of Education: Lead, Learn & Inspire Monthly Bulletin
Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025