Policy 19 - School Closure

The Board believes that one of its major responsibilities is to provide school facilities throughout the School District that will allow for operational efficiency and program effectiveness. In keeping with the intent of its philosophies and strategic objectives it may from time to time have to consider consolidation or closure of schools.

The Board may consider closure of a school due to declining or shifting enrolment or other relevant factors. Should the Board need to consider closing a school, they will notify the school community as soon as possible and will ensure the completion of a public consultation process prior to making any final decision.

Specifically

  1. The proposal to close a school will be raised, discussed and decided upon at a public meeting of the Board. 

  2. The Board will take the following steps to ensure that an open, meaningful public consultation will take place:

    2.1 The Board will make available, in writing, pertinent facts and information considered by the Board with respect to school closure, including but not limited to:

    2.1.1 reasons for the proposed school closure
    2.1.2 the specific school that is being considered for closure
    2.1.3 how the proposed closure would affect the catchment areas of affected schools
    2.1.4 the general effect on surrounding schools
    2.1.5 the number of students who would be affected, at both the closed school and surrounding schools
    2.1.6 the effect of the proposed closure on district-provided student transportation
    2.1.7 educational program/course implications for the affected students
    2.1.8 the proposed effective date for the closure
    2.1.9 financial considerations
    2.1.10 impact on the Board’s capital plan

    2.2 The Board will provide an opportunity for affected persons to submit written responses to the Board.

    2.3 The Board will hold at least one public forum to discuss the proposed closure, summarize written submissions and listen to community concerns and proposed options.

    2.4 The time and location of the public forum will be appropriately advertised to ensure adequate advance notification to affected persons or groups in the community. This will mean written notification to students and/or parents/guardians of students currently attending the school, a clearly visible notice in the local newspaper and electronic posting on the district’s website.

    2.5 The Board will present the following at the beginning of the public forum:

    2.5.1 implications of the proposed closure
    2.5.2 implementation plans, including the timing of the proposed closure
    2.5.3 options that the Board considered as alternatives to the proposed closure
    2.5.4 assessment of projected growth in the area of the school
    2.5.5 summary of written submissions presented to the Board by members of the community
    2.5.6 possible future uses for the school building/property

    2.6 Minutes will be kept of the public forum to record concerns or options raised regarding the proposed closure.

  3. The Board will, after giving fair consideration to all public input, make the final decision on a school closure by giving first, second, third and final reading of a bylaw at a public Board meeting.

(Last Revised: October 9, 2018)

Print