Carlow/Mayor Reeve Bonnie Adams addressing Hastings County council while Mayor of Deseronto Norm Clarke and Madoc Township Reeve Bob Sager listen, November 22, 2016 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Members of Hastings County council have some concerns about the proposed closure or amalgamation of schools being considered by the Hastings and Prince Edward School Board.
The school board decided earlier this week to undertake a process which could close or amalgamate 19 different local public schools.
Among the proposed changes is a plan to close Madoc Township school and move the students to Madoc Public for September, 2017.
The grade 7/8 students from Madoc Public would move to Centre Hastings Secondary for September, 2017.
During county council’s meeting Tuesday, Warden Rick Phillips questioned “why put students on buses” and worried about “Coe Hill losing its identity,” but another member of council indicated the enrolment at the school was down and the board had to consider finances and efficiencies.
Reeve of Carlow/Mayor Bonnie Adams said it would be “devastating to her community” if the school there was closed, but the Board has confirmed to Quinte News that is not in the plan.
Hastings County council decided to form a committee to meet with the school board to discuss the issue.
