SCHOOL CLOSURES

The Board recognizes that declining and shifting student populations may necessitate the closure of schools from time to time. The Board will publicly communicate its proposed plans on school closures to provide ample lead time before closing any school, and to support a process that provides an opportunity for those who will be affected to participate in a consultation process about the proposed school closure.

The Board recognizes that the number and location of schools must be balanced with education program needs, operational efficiency and must be considered within available resources. When school closures are considered, a public consultation process will be undertaken.

In discussing school closures, the Board will consider:

1. Overall program diversity and educational experience for students;
2. Safety of access for students being relocated;
3. Reasonable class sizes in those schools receiving students from a closed facility;
4. Program offerings in nearby schools.
5. The Board will engage in discussion and consultation with parents, staff and the community. The public consultation process will include:
   1. a fair consideration of the community’s input and adequate opportunity for the community to respond to a board’s proposal to close the school permanently;
   2. consideration of future enrolment growth in the district of persons of school age, persons of less than school age and adults; and
   3. consideration of possible alternative community use for all or part of the school.
6. The Board will examine the possible impact of school closures on other Board policies, such as attendance areas and personnel assignment.