HRM schools on the chopping block
Posted Mar 24, 2011 05:22:07 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Facing a surplus of space but dwindling funds, the Halifax Regional School Board is considering closing, consolidating or replacing 17 local schools.
Board superintendent Carole Olsen tells CBC News, the board has had a surplus in space for years due to falling enrolment.
She estimates $3.5 million can be recovered by eliminating the operating and maintenance costs of surplus space.
Eleven elementary schools and one high school are being considered for closure. Another five schools are being considered for consolidation or replacement. The options will be discussed at a board meeting tonight.
HRSB is looking to close a $10 million shortfall in its budget. The provincial government cut the board’s funding by one per cent as well as asked it to absorb other cost pressures and increases.
In addition, Halifax Regional Municipality voted on a deal this week that will cut supplementary educational funding by $1.8 million over the next four years.
Olsen said the decision to close schools lies with the board and that no decision will be made until March 2012.
However, she said if the schools remain open the board will have to find the funds to keep the schools open.
The findings of tonight’s meeting will be put to the board at its regular meeting March 30.
Recommended Schools for Closure:
- South Woodside Elementary
- St. Joseph’s – Alexander McKay Elementary
- Terence Bay Site
- Prince Arthur Junior High
- Upper Musquodoboit Consolidated Elementary
- Atlantic View Elementary
- Central Spryfield Elementary
- Sambro Elementary
- Sackville Centennial Elementary
- Gertrude Parker Elementary
- Caudle Park Elementary
- Hillside Park Elementary
