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Decision on École St. Thomas D’Aquin could come Tuesday

Jan 30, 2018 | 2:46 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat Catholic Board members are set to meet on Tuesday night, hashing out a plan for students at École St. Thomas D’Aquin.

A vote will likely be held to either close the french immersion elementary school at the end of the school year, or to keep the program at the St. Thomas location.

The proposed plan would see St. Thomas’ population of 99 students transferred to St. John Paul II School for a dual-track program, which will be open in time for classes in the fall.

According to the Catholic Board, the proposed closure is due to limited growth at St. Thomas over the last few years, and would lower the division’s debt levels by roughly $210,000.

Despite opening within the past decade, major repairs are needed at the school to fix numerous issues such as interior and exterior repairs, plumbing problems, and an aging HVAC system.

Over 80 parents were on hand for a public meeting at the school on January 8 to discuss the proposed closure, which was sent out in a memo to parents in mid-December.

Most parents at the meeting were in support of the potential move, however many were upset with what they’re calling short and sudden notice given by the Catholic Board.

Depending on the outcome of Tuesday’s vote, board members will also be discussing grade configuration and boundaries if students will move to St. John Paul II.

While a motion to close the school is on the table Tuesday, Chair Dick Mastel has said there is no deadline for such a decision.

Members of the public are invited to attend the open meeting, which will get underway at 6:00 pm at the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education offices.