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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-11-20, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2008.The first of four publicAccommodation ReviewCommittee (ARC) meetings about five schools in this immediate area was held at Hullett Central Public School on Thursday, Nov. 13. The schools in this accommodation review are Blyth Public, East Wawanosh, Hullett Central, Wingham Public and Turnberry Central schools. According to board policy regarding accommodation review, the Avon Maitland District School Board “is committed to providing a comprehensive range of educational opportunities equitably across a broad and diverse geographical area through sustainable community schools.” They are also aware that changes in any school’s status have an impact beyond the school itself. Any changes therefore must include public consultation. When slated for public review, a school community fears the worst scenario – the closing of ‘their’ school. Thatwas the fear in the back of theminds of every communityperson from each of the fiveschools on hand for thismeeting. However, an accommodation review may result in changes to the grades offered in a school, closures and/or solutions to overcrowded, underutilized or inadequate facilities. AMDSB superintendent, Mike Ash, chaired the meeting. Accommodation administrator, Phil McCotter was present and fielded some comments regarding financial issues. Shelley Kaastra and Colleen Schenk were the board trustees on hand to also offer comments about the review. Prior to this first public meeting, principals, in consultation with staff and members of the School Advisory Council, completed a generic School Valuation Framework. This form contained both hard data, such as does your school have a separate music room, and soft data such as what outside groups make use of the school.A quick review of eachschool’s forms, clarificationof some entries and chancesto the individual reports weredealt with at the beginning of the meeting. These completed forms are public information and can be found on the board’s website. Questions that were raised by the delegates from each school and audience members brought to light facts for consideration and public sharing. One aspect considered in a review is the percentage of capacity, present and future, of a school. Capacity levels for schools in this review are Blyth, 84.1 per cent; East Wawanosh, 66.5 per cent; Hullett, 64.5 per cent; Turnberry, 52.7 per cent and Wingham 82.7 per cent. The costs of maintaining a school at less than full capacity is an issue. In simple terms, picture a classroom designed for 20 pupils with only 12 pupils. The school receives funding for 12 pupils but the costs of maintaining that classroom are for 20. Board personnel made it clear that noadditional funding will beforthcoming from theprovince.Busing costs are anotherissue that may determine how these schools may be organized. The quality of the education that can be offered to pupils in schools at less than capacity, that are forced to have split classes as the norm, is brought into question. The three rural school buildings in this review are the same age, having been built in the mid-1960s when that round of amalgamations was done. The other two schools, urban in nature, have been in existence for much longer and had additions/renovations about that time. Any scenario involving changes to the education in this area must take the costs of maintaining or renovating the physical structures as well. The board maintains they are attempting to make the best economic use of the funds they received. Demographics of the area will figure into the final decision. Schenk stated, “If we do not reduce our costs immediately, by 2010 we will be out of funding to address the fact that buildings require maintenance.” All schools in this area have both a full-timeprincipal and secretary soclosing one school cuts twosignificant costs, it wasexplained.A question regarding the impact that closing a school has on a community brought into focus the emotional aspect rather than the financial aspects of these reviews. Schenk stated, “Closing a school is the hardest thing a trustee has to do. Trustees will not make the decision lightly. One school in this group will close.” Schenk added further that 300 schools in the province are under review; the situation is not unique in Huron County. Shrinking property values was expressed as a real concern for all five areas. Schenk asked that everyone to give a great deal of consideration to how they want education in this area to look not just next year but five, 10 or more years down the road. This suggestion was reiterated more than once that evening. Some early ideas of scenarios, such as a middle school for Grades 7 and 8 were talked about. Before the next public meeting on Dec. 11 at Blyth Public School the school delegates are to discuss and bring forward possible scenarios for how these schools might be reorganized.One school’s proximity toanother may figure in thedecision when the length ofany one pupil’s bus ride isconsidered. Closing a school will have the most impact on the children of that school. An audience member noted that the influx of new pupils to a school is also difficult for that student body. Board reps stated that every effort will be made to create a smooth and satisfying transition for everyone. The safety and comfort of all affected students will be of paramount concern. Given that school accommodations happen every five years also has a bearing on how to reorganize the area. No one wishes a pupil to lose his/her school more than once. No decision for this area has been made by the board to date, the ARC representative said. Input from delegates and the public are welcomed to assist them in making the best decision for schools and pupils in the concerned area while keeping costs to a manageable level while continuing to offer quality education to children. Questions or concerns by the public can be taken to school delegates, a school’s principal or the board’s website. Continued from page 4 For example, when Wescast was considering expansion, our municipalities merged our efforts to successfully attract the new business development. I regret that the co-operative approach to regional economic development, an approach with proven results, was abandoned after such success. As you know, North Huron councillor McClinchey has proposed to you that we again adopt a more consultative and co-operative approach to economic development. I fully support that notion and I would encourage you to seek the approval from your council to begin that process without delay.” It is worth noting that the entire text of that letter was printed in The Wingham Advance Times. As a follow-up to that letter, on Sept. 23, North Huron council sent a delegation to a Morris-Turnberry council meeting. The goal was to put into motion a comprehensive plan whereby Morris- Turnberry and North Huron could commence a collaborative approach to regional economic development along the Hwy. 86 corridor. The North Huron proposal identified five key areas that could be focused upon, including development of existing land resources along the highway, jointly, for the general betterment of our collective rate-payers. For the sake of clarity, North Huron council continues to support any economic development proposal that is able to satisfy standard planning requirements such as a market study. The embargo that had been put into place with respect to a grocery store prohibition on the Willis property in Morris-Turnberry was imposed as a result of a mediated settlement to a dispute between Loblaw Property Ltd. (appellant), National Grocers Ltd. (appellant), the Twp. of Morris-Turnberry, William and Ethel Willis, the County of Huron and Mr. Lynn Hoy. You will note that neither the former Town of Wingham nor the Municipality of North Huron appears on the list of parties prompting the Aug. 15, 2001 decision. Implications to the contrary are false. In closing, we would like to thank the paper for printing this lengthy letter. Economic development is one of the most important files on the municipal agenda and we will continue to fiercely defend our efforts, to aggressively promote further partnerships, and to work for the betterment of the people and businesses of North Huron. We stand ready to provide detailed clarification to any matter contained herein should that be required by any individual with an interest in the matter. Sincerely, Councillor Archie MacGowan Councillor Greg McClinchey North Huron councillors tell their side of story By Brenda RadfordSpecial to The CitizenARC attendees told a school will close