At its board meeting of October 14, the Good Spirit School Division Board of Education passed a motion to undertake the school review process at Fort Livingstone School in Pelly.
Fort Livingstone School has been identified for review of future school viability based upon the criteria established in Board Policy 17 and The Education Act, 1995, said a release from Lynel Martinuk, communications co-ordinator.
Numerous criteria, including enrolment figures, location, transportation considerations, grade configuration, staffing, operational costs, facility standards, program offerings, and extra-curricular activities are considered before a school is placed under review, the release said.
“The school review process is not undertaken lightly by our board members,” said Lois Smandych, board chair. “Last year, in consultation with the School Community Council, a recommendation was accepted that would see high school grades 9 to 12 discontinued at the school and those students now attend Norquay School.
“As the current Kindergarten to Grade 8 facility has an enrolment of under 40 students, the school falls under the criteria for future viability,” Smandych said. “There are many factors to consider and we want to make sure we do a thorough job of taking everything into account.
“This is a very important process that sees honest discussions in the next step of reviewing information and ensuring we have all of the facts.”
At the same meeting, the board of education passed a second motion for the
establishment of a review committee, the release said. Committee representatives will be identified by October 31.
“As a public entity, we take our role very seriously; the local community will be consulted as part of the decision making process,” Smandych said. “Through the review committee, we will have key discussions towards ensuring the best educational opportunities for students, today and in the future, are a reality.”
Persons wishing further information may contact Rhae-Ann Holoien, director of education.
The Good Spirit School Division provides education opportunities to over 6,000 students operating 29 schools in 18 communities throughout East Central Saskatchewan. Caring for children in a supportive environment is as important as offering excellence in educational programming, the release said. “Our public schools value belonging, respect, responsibility, learning and nurturing by ensuring “Students Come First.”
