Arborfield School. (Facebook/Arborfield School)

By Jaryn Vecchio

School Review

Last community meeting held before decision on Arborfield School’s future

Feb 16, 2023 | 3:44 PM

A decision on whether Arborfield School should close is expected to happen in the very near future.

An in-person meeting was held on Wednesday, where residents got the chance to share their thoughts, ask questions, and get much-needed information.

The school is under review since it currently only has 67 students enrolled, which is under the minimum target of 88 students.

Stacy Lair, the Director of Education for NESD, told northeastNOW the School Review Committee, which has been tasked with gathering all relevant information, presented enrollment projections for the next five years which show a steady increase in students.

“The review committee did a fantastic job, they surveyed and went and asked folks and gave us a much more accurate prediction.”

Riderville

Shades of 2007

Nov 15, 2024

Inflation

Rent inflation to slow in the next few years, Desjardins predicts

Nov 14, 2024

Fire in Nipawin area

Fire destroys house in R.M. of Torch River

Nov 14, 2024

According to the Committee, the projections suggest around 82 students for the 2023/24 school year, 92 for 2024-25, 93 for 2025-26, 96 for 2026-27, and 104 for 2027-28. They also highlighted possible outcomes which would see each school year starting in 2024 having more than 100 students.

The Committee got these projections through a community survey which they believe is more accurate than just going off birth records. They and Lair both noted birth records don’t account for the kids who’ve moved away from the community.

Lair also explained that while the review was started because of the low enrollment numbers, it’s not the only thing they’re considering.

They’re also looking into the quality of education being provided, the impacts of split grades, the school’s financials, employee experience, the condition of the building, and transportation.

“We have a responsibility to look at all those aspects,” said Lair.

There is no exact date for when a decision will be made. It must be done before Apr. 30, 2023. Lair explained there are three NESD board meetings scheduled between now and then where the committee can present their final report.

Meanwhile, those who couldn’t attend the last in-person meeting will have a chance to share their thoughts online before a final decision is made.

Lair noted the NESD will have some form of online engagement available but didn’t specify what exactly it’ll look like. There will be no more in-person meetings.

­__

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow