School Closure Decision (April 29 Board meeting)

At its regular public meeting on April 29, the Board of Education received information on the first meeting with parents and staff of Riverside elementary school, which had been conducted as part of a process to determine the viability of amalgamating Riverside elementary school with Maple Ridge elementary school to take effect in September, 2009. The meeting was attended by approximately 75 people representing approximately 30 families out of a possible 100 families. The report included minutes of the meeting and feedback from parents at the meeting. Following discussion, the Board approved the following recommendations:

1. The Board approved a recommendation that the Board consider closing Riverside elementary school for September 2010.
    
2. The Board approved a recommendation that the consultation processes to determine the viability of amalgamating Mount Crescent elementary school with Glenwood elementary school begin in the fall of 2009 with final options or recommendations to come to the Board before Christmas 2009.
    
3. The Board defeated a similar recommendation regarding the possibility of amalgamating Webster’s Corner elementary school with Blue Mountain elementary school. The Board felt that Webster’s Corner had more potential to be viable as a result of catchment changes or because of new residential development.
    
4. The Board approved a recommendation to conduct catchment review in conjunction with any school closures or amalgamations.
    
5. The Board approved a motion to begin meeting with Mount Crescent staff and parents before the end of June.