The Kenilworth Public School accommodation review committee (ARC) presented its recommendations for the school’s future to the Upper Grand District School Board at its meeting here on Dec. 9.
Committee members Mike Givens, Kathleen Hill, Mollie Loughran and Sonya McNabb concluded that keeping the Kenilworth school open is the best option. They also recommended capital spending to bring the building up to standard.
Required upgrades at Kenilworth would cost about $650,000, plus $250,000 for implementation of a provincially-mandated full-day kindergarten program. The report indicates this is similar to what has been spent at other UGDSB facilities and will help avoid major upheaval for students.
The option of redirecting students to Arthur and Victoria Cross Public Schools is problematic, ARC members say, due to rising enrolment at those schools, which are already at or over capacity, thus requiring expansions or the installment of portables on the sites.
“All the improvements made at Kenilworth PS will help lower the current operating expense,” said Loughran.
Members of the Wellington North community have expressed concern that Kenilworth’s recreational hub would be lost if the school was closed, as would the strong small-school atmosphere. Some have predicted damaging effects on students.
“Our children are upset and concerned about the future of their school,” McNabb said.
“Pulling kids from their environment and expecting them to go to another school could be detrimental to their mental health. This is very disturbing to them and obviously it’s a big concern in the community. Small schools should not be viewed as unwanted.”
Loughran said the small student population provides unique learning opportunities not available in larger facilities.
“The children feel very secure and involved across the grades and share a strong sense of belonging to the school,” added Loughran.
“Student confidence is also built because there is less intimidation when trying out for new opportunities or experiences. The leadership skills of the older children are very well developed because they often work with the younger children in the classroom and on the playground. By working with different-aged children, the students’ social skills are enhanced and that helps with future transitions.”
The group also read from a letter of support from the Wellington Federation of Agriculture (WFA), which stressed the role small schools like Kenilworth play in maintaining the rural farm industry.
“In order to keep farm families on the farm and maintain their substantial contributions to the economy, farmers require access to a variety of affordable services and infrastructure,” the WFA letter states.
“This includes easily accessible schools that understand our rural needs. Schools play a multi-purpose role in many rural communities. Not only are they the place where our children spend a large portion of their days being educated, but they provide children’s playgrounds, community centres, recreational facilities and meeting halls. Without such facilities available, it becomes difficult to maintain a viable population and economic base in rural areas.”
McNabb said, “We are talking about our children’s happiness. They are our future, they are our next generation and we want what’s best for them.”
Guelph trustee Susan Moziar said, “This was a very comprehensive report and I want to thank you all. It is very clear what a close knit community you have.”
A separate report with staff recommendations will be presented at the business operations committee meeting on Jan. 13 and trustees will make their final decision at the regular board meeting on Feb. 24.
