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Vol. 18, No. 19, Wednesday, April 5, 2023 www.LamontLeader.com
EIPS TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING ON POSSIBLE CLOSURE OF ANDREW SCHOOL BY JANA SEMENIUK Elk Island Public Schools will hold a special board meeting Apr. 6 in order to direct their administration to prepare an information report regarding the possible closure of Andrew School. The report will be presented at the next regular board meeting Apr. 20. Parents were notified Apr. 3 by email of the upcoming special meeting by EIPS Superintendent Mark Liguori. “I’m writing to advise you about a report going forward to the Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) Board of Trustees for a special board meeting on April 6, 2023. The report is regarding a recommendation to consider the potential closure of Andrew School,” he said by email. “If the report for information goes forward on April 20, EIPS trustees will discuss the data contained therein. Then, it will bring forward a motion to
consider the possible closure of Andrew School. “The motion will come down to a vote. If the motion is carried, the Division will notify all Andrew School families about the decision and next steps—including a public engagement meeting. If the motion is defeated, the matter will go no further.” Liguori assured families there has not been any decisions made yet, and that the report for information would help them decide if they need to move forward. “That said, given the facility’s conditions and the enrollment decline for the upcoming school year, EIPS administration has both a responsibility to its students and a fiduciary duty to bring these issues forward to the Board of Trustees,” said Liguori. Included in the meeting’s online information package were details
around Andrew School’s current enrollment which sits at 62 students from K-6, but is projected to fall to 44 students next year. This year, 11 students who reside in the Andrew area chose to attend other schools; three went to Mundare School and eight went to Lamont Elementary. Currently, with capacity for 385 students, Andrew School’s utilization rate sits at 15 percent and is the most underutilized school in EIPS. In addition to its low enrollment, Andrew School faces other issues structurally. Persistent leaks in the roof have been noted for several years in addition to issues with the sprinkler system which was installed as a dry system, but is deteriorating due to standing water. In 2003, the sprinkler system froze, flooding the school and town hall. After an inspection and estimate done this past year, it was determined
that a cost to replace the steel roof would be over $2 million not including GST, asbestos abatement or contingency. Andrew School shares the building with the Village Office, library, bowling alley and weight room. “Andrew School is experiencing declining and low enrollment as well as failing infrastructure and other pressures. As such, the viability of the school and school community is at significant risk,” read the special meeting package information. “Thus, Administration requests that the Board direct administration to prepare an information report regarding the possible closure of Andrew School and provide it to trustees before the next Board meeting on April 20,2023.” Continued on Page 2
Andrew School students enjoy a game during fire prevention week 2021 in the school's gymnasium. Andrew school faces possible closure due to declining enrolment, and EIPS board members will decide whether to look into the issue further during a special board meeting Apr. 6. Photo: file