The recommendation is to reduce the number of schools on the east side of Owen Sound. Superintendent of Elementary Education, Marnie Coke says the preferred option is to close Strathcona and maintain the current Sydenham and Bayview schools and build a new Alexandra school. She says the configuration of three JK to grade 8 schools eliminates one transition from school to school for students. Coke says the plan also maintains a school presence in the city’s east neighbourhoods. Coke is confident that the committee has put together a solid proposal that takes into consideration financial costs, declining enrolment and aging school facilities. Coke says the school board is already working on the details of staffing and the movement of the students to the different schools. She says these details need to be worked out prior to the board’s final decision, but adds they could change if the preferred recommendation is not approved. The school board will make a final decision on the fate of the four schools on June 17th. Coke says the community has spoken very clearly about their options, adding the board listens closely to what the community says.
