Possible closures, changes in store for 9 western, central schools under review

The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District may be making changes to nine schools with declining enrolment.

The NLESD met last weekend in Corner Brook, and one of the main issues raised was the need for reviews in several schools in the western and central regions of the island.

CEO Tony Stack said starting this fall, the nine schools will be under review to determine how best to pool resources and programming. He said the district will directschool staff on how to conduct their own reviews of the school systems.

In interviews with CBC, Stackwarnedagainst assuming all reviews will lead to closures, but added that may be the most sensible conclusion for some schools. Stackalso said any changes wouldn't take effect until the 2018/2019 school year.

"At this stage, this is very preliminary," he said."No decisions have been made and none will be made unless there's consultation."

Western Newfoundland

Six of the nine schools involved in the reviews are in the western region.

On the Northern Peninsula, James Cook Memorial in Cook's Harbour is under review to see if students can be accommodated at White Hills Academy in St. Anthony.

On the southwest coast, the district is seeking input on whether Grade 7-9 students at LeGallais Memorial in Isle aux Mortscould be moved toSt. James Regional High in Port aux Basques. Bus routes already exist between the two communities in that case.

And in the St. George's area, the board is interested in whether K-6 students at Our Lady of Mercy Elementary can be amalgamated intoAppalachia High School, where Grade 7-12 students from the region already attend.

Central Newfoundland

Three of the remaining schools involved in the reviews are in the central region.

In the Notre Dame Bay area, Grades 4-12 students currently go to Point Leamington Academy while primarystudents attend Leading Tickles Primary. Next year, there are only nine students expected to attend that school so its possible those students will be amalgamatedinto Point Leamington Academy.

Laslty, the currently inactive H.L.Strong Academy in Little Bay Islands is involved in the review process.

As there are no students or staff working in the vacant building, Stack said it will likely be closed but rules require that decision go through the proper process.