Public comments have led to some changes in the recommendations involving consolidation and school closings in Centre Hastings.
The Hastings Prince Edward School Board has been grappling with tough issues regarding schools, not only in Centre Hastings, but in Prince Edward County and Belleville as well.
Basically, there are not enough students and too many schools for them.
Originally, board staff recommended the closure of Madoc Township Public School, and sending the students to Madoc Public in town. Also it was recommended moving grade 7 and 8 students from Madoc Public in to Centre Hastings Secondary.
Now, those recommendations still stand, but in addition it’s recommended the Ministry of Education approve building a new school holding all Centre Hastings students from kindergarten to grade 12.
If the Ministry doesn’t like that idea, it’s recommended that all students, from kindergarten to grade 12, be consolidated at the high school and that Madoc Public be demolished for green space. Madoc Township School would be closed under all recommendations.
The school board will make a final decision on the issue June 19.