P.E.I. Home and School Association supports review of schools

P.E.I. Home and School Association Lisa MacDougall is on board with a major review of schools on the Island.

• School rezoning, possible closures, coming for next school year

The Public Schools Branch is embarking on a study of school populations in the coming year, focusing on schools that are under-utilized and those that are overcrowded.

If teachers are under stress it affects the children's learning.- Lisa MacDougall

Six out of ten families of schools will be undergoing in-depth studies and consultations, with changes in place for the 2017-18 school year.

MacDougall said the situation is serious and decisions shouldn't be made too quickly.

Given that some schools could close, and that it is likely many students will find themselves changing schools, MacDougall said it is important that support is in place for teachers and students.

"I think that's the key, is that resources also have to be applied to how this will roll out and supporting kids through that process, and knowing that if teachers are under stress, that it affects the children's learning aswell," she said.

Consultations will be happening in the next few months with district advisory councils, unions, parent groups, local community councils, principals and school staff.

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