On Jan. 13, staff at the Upper Grand District School Board will recommend to trustees that Kenilworth Public School be closed.
Under the proposed scenario, referred to as Option 3 in the report, the school would close in September and Kenilworth students south of Sideroad 3 would attend Arthur PS, and students north of Sideroad 3 would attend Victoria Cross PS in Mount Forest.
The recommendation is included in Wellington North Elementary Accommodation Review Staff Report #3, posted online in advance of a presentation to trustees at the Business Operations Committee meeting on Jan. 13.
The report can be downloaded at www.ugdsb.on.ca/wnar or picked up at the school offices of Kenilworth PS, Arthur PS or Victoria Cross PS.
About a month ago, the Accommodation Review Committee (ARC), made up of parents and community members, recommended that Kenilworth PS remain open.
“Our children are upset and concerned about the future of their school,” parent and ARC member Sonya McNabb said at the Dec. 9 meeting.
“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.”
The ARC also recommended necessary capital expenditures be spent to bring the building up to standard and support Full Day Kindergarten.
"It’s now up to trustees, who will consider both reports and render a final decision at the board meeting on Feb. 24," stated a Jan. 9 News release from board spokersperson maggie McFadzen.
"Parents are welcome to delegate at any board or standing committee meeting up to and including this meeting. Details on how to delegate are posted on the website."
Required maintenance upgrades at Kenilworth PS, estimated to cost $650,000, have been on hold due to an earlier board decision.
The school also needs about $250,000 in renovations to support Full Day Kindergarten, which was implemented at Kenilworth in September.
