Staff
A new era for public education in the Meaford area begins. At the Regular Meeting of the Board held on March 22, 2016, Bluewater District School Board trustees approved the following recommendations related to the Modified Accommodation Review – Meaford Area Group of Schools:
That Bluewater District School Board approve that the grade 4-8 program in the Meaford Area Group of Schools be re-organized and accommodated in Georgian Bay Secondary School for the 2016-2017 school year; and, That the grade k-3 program in the Meaford Area Group of Schools be re-organized and accommodated in St. Vincent-Euphrasia Elementary School for the 2016-2017 school year; and, That Meaford Community School be closed effective June 30, 2016. That Bluewater District School Board approve the submission of a business case to the Ministry of Education to seek funding for a new K-12 school with a proposed capacity to meet the future enrolment expectations in the Meaford area.
“I am so impressed by the level of proactive participation by our community and municipal partners during this modified accommodation review process to ensure a positive and sustainable solution for our students,” says Linda Hamill, Trustee for the Municipality of Meaford/The Blue Mountains. “There is certainly an element of sadness as we bid farewell to Meaford Community School with its rich history in our community. However, it is also a very exciting time for the future of education in the Meaford area.”
“We have a long history of high quality public education. The outcome of this review process will result in a renewed and strengthened Bluewater educational experience for students and families in Meaford for years to come,” says Superintendent of Education Jean Stephenson.
Board staff will continue to keep the lines of communication open with stakeholders as they work to ensure that the transition for students and their families as well as staff is a smooth and positive one.
To view the Final Staff Report and other information regarding the Modified Accommodation Review – Meaford Area Group of Schools, please visit the 2015-16 Accommodation Reviews section of the board website: www.bwdsb.on.ca
