Here are a few highlights that were gleaned from the last ARC meeting.
If the proposal goes through:
The build would be in the 2011 -2012 year.
Projected cost has changed to 14-16.6 million dollars.
There is the possibility childcare facility.
Square footage would be in the 80 000 square foot range. (Not including the daycare).
If this school scenario did happen, ARC is asking for the four schools involved, to remain open and only critical expenses be fixed or remedied.
At the meeting, there were many heartfelt pleas by community members to go forward with the NMECE, "community school", rather than have the Grade 7 and 8's be immersed in a high school environment. The community voiced to the trustees, that this scenario would not be supported by the community, as they do not want younger, easily influenced children in a high school environment.
Four communities are willing to band together and willing to close their beloved town schools, for the betterment of all. Normally each school is pitted against each other, in an effort to retain the school in each community. This time, everyone seems in agreement with this possible solution.
At the moment there are infrastructure grants and green grants available from the Provincial and Federal Governments, which would help with the cost of the school. AMDSB would also be a part of the funding as well as monies from the private sector, to name a few.
If NMECE is not an option, at least one or two schools will close. This will delay the inevitable. In another five years, most likely the same communities will be back at the table facing more school closures.
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3 comments:
I'm sure enrollment numbers will drop with local children who walk to school, enrolling at the Catholic school will be the best option. That's my answer to busing my children.
Did you bring this up at any of the Arc meetings?
My children have always walked to school, and depending on where you are located, there are restrictions on how long a child would be on the bus for.
There were concerns and ideas brought up vis a vis busing at the last and final ARC meeting.
Let me add, if my child will be among those who end up be scuttled into the high school system during her 7/8 stay, I WILL do everything I can to put her into the Catholic system, and keep her there until high school graduation.
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