Latest News & Announcements

UPDATE: August 11, 2026

Dear Tumbler Ridge Community;

We are writing to provide an update on the removal of the existing Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

Beginning Monday, August 17, work will begin to remove the exterior of the school building. This is an important milestone in the careful, staged removal of the existing school, which is expected to take a few more weeks.  After the structure is removed, work will continue through the fall to restore the site to grass.

We recognize that seeing the building change will be significant for many in the community. We are sharing this update in advance so students, families, staff and community members know what to expect as this next stage of the work begins.

The work will continue to be carried out in stages, with measures in place to minimize disruption and protect privacy. As previously shared, building materials will be transported to regional landfills, and the Tumbler Ridge landfill will not be used.

We will continue to keep the community informed as the work progresses and share further updates as timelines and next steps are confirmed.

We recognize the significance of this moment and thank the Tumbler Ridge community for its continued care, compassion and understanding.

Superintendent,
Christy Fennell

July 21, 2026

Dear Tumbler Ridge Community;

As we continue to move forward together, we want to share an update on the next steps for Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

Our hearts remain with the students, families, staff, first responders, and everyone in our community who continue to navigate the aftermath of this devastating tragedy. We know that Tumbler Ridge Secondary School holds deep meaning for many people, and we recognize that the work ahead may bring a range of emotions.

Over the past several months, we have listened to students, families, staff, Indigenous partners, community members, and experts as we considered the best path forward. Based on those conversations, the Peace River South School District requested support from the province to build a new secondary school at a new location in Tumbler Ridge and to remove the existing school using a thoughtful, trauma-informed approach.

Please review the Tumbler Ridge Community Update letter attached for more information regarding the removal of the old school and preparing for the new school. 

Thank you for your patience, your compassion, and the care you continue to show one another. Together, we will honour the past while creating a new learning environment that will serve students and families for generations to come.

To learn about the supports available for people affected by the Tumbler Ridge tragedy, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/youth-and-family-services/tumbler-ridge.

The 2026 General School Trustee Election will be held this fall, with General Voting Day on Saturday, October 17, 2026.  Seven Trustees make up the Board of Education for School District No. 59 and hold a 4-year term.  Elected members of a board of education are responsible for setting the strategic direction of public education in their district and ensuring schools are governed with transparency and accountability.

Visit our Trustee Election page for more information about becoming a school trustee, key dates, and election procedures. 

May 7, 2026

The Board of Education of School District No. 59 (Peace River South) thanks all families, students, staff and individuals in the community of Tumbler Ridge that participated in the consultation process.  As the community continues to move through this difficult time, we want to assure you that your perspectives helped inform the next steps for the future secondary learning environment in Tumbler Ridge.

In response to the Tumbler Ridge Preliminary Consultation Report provided by Safer Schools Together, the Board of Education of School District No. 59 (Peace River South) passed a motion for a new secondary school to be built in Tumbler Ridge.