Deadline extended

Rock solid or beyond repair? Students make their way to class at CML Snider School in Wellington.

Public school board postpones decision on school closure plan

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has backed away from pushing through a plan to close schools due to declining enrollment. The board posted the Long-Term Capital and Accommodation Plan on June 7 and provided three days for written submissions. It was set to be approved at Monday’s meeting but late last week the board announced it would extend the deadline for review and input until September 30.

Board officials emphasized that the plan contains no specific recommendations regarding school closures. Nevertheless, the plan describes three scenarios—which would lead to the elimination of between four and seven elementary schools in the County. There are only seven elementary schools currently remaining in the County.

Despite board assurances that the plan prescribes no specific closures, it states that the plan will serve as the basis for the development of specific recommendations for accommodation reviews. It will serve, once approved, as “a road map for the next several years.”

It is precisely why Councillor Jim Dunlop wants the municipality to join the discussion. Dunlop urged a committee of council, last week, to support a motion insisting the County be permitted to provide input before the plan is approved.

“We are actively promoting development in Wellington,” said Dunlop. “We are encouraging young families to settle here. And it is working. The municipality needs to play a role in this discussion about our schools.”

Councillor Janice Maynard generally agreed with Dunlop, though she was worried about a territorial struggle between County schools.

Councillor Roy Pennell, serving as chair for the meeting, underlined the importance of this issue around the council table.

“The school board has a responsibility to keep us informed,” said Pennell.

Dunlop’s motion passed easily.

There remain lingering questions raised in the 125- page report that will now have time to be considered and answered.

The plan points to the relatively poor condition of CML Snider Elementary School in Wellington as one example. It estimates renewal needs for this school at $6.3 million— the highest of all elementary schools in the County.

But this runs counter to many who are familiar with the structure and its inner workings. They say the school’s 18-inch walls and construction make it among the sturdiest buildings in the County, let alone the school board.

The board’s manager of planning, Kim Horrigan, says the estimate is based on an assessment done every five years by the Ministry of Education.

“The renewal needs are the costs of maintaining and repairing school facilities over a certain period of time, in this case 10 years,” said Horrigan. “Renewal costs include building components such as foundation, exterior walls, roofing, heating, plumbing and electrical systems.”

This summer, CML Snider is slated to receive new windows.

The Long Term Capital and Accommodation plan is available by clicking here.