The Upper Canada District School Board could see multiple school closures at the end of this school year. A staff report talks about the possibility of closing up to 16 schools as of June 30th, 2017. Twelve schools could be closed without the need for renovations to other schools. Those schools include Benson Public School in Edwardsburgh-Cardinal, Oxford-on-Rideau Public School in Oxford Mills, Seaway District High School in Iroquois and Wolford Public School in Merrickville-Wolford.
Another four schools could close if renovations are completed on some of the remaining schools before September of next year. In addition, another nine schools could close if the Ministry of Education approves funding for upgraded facilities in some of the remaining schools. That would include Maynard Public School and South Edwardsburgh Public School.
The report states that enrollment has declined and there’s a need to save money by filling classrooms. According to the UCDSB there are 10,000 empty seats in classrooms across Eastern Ontario.
The report will be presented at the UCDSB regular board meeting tonight. If the plan is approved, there will be a public review period before the decision is made early next year to close any of the schools.