School board trustees have voted to close St. Michael Catholic Elementary School in Cobourg.
On Monday, trustees with the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board approved the recommendations in a 2017 accommodation review which recommended the closure of the school on University Avenue West. The review studied educational options which also included Notre Dame and St. Joseph Catholic elementary schools.
“Closing a school is perhaps the most difficult decision for a school board to make, however, we look forward to the exciting possibilities and many long-term benefits for the Catholic elementary school communities in Cobourg as we move forward,” stated board chairperson Michelle Griepsma.
The board also approved the transfer of the French immersion program at St. Michael to Notre Dame to create a dual track (French and English) school.
The closure will also require revision of the French immersion catchment area and boundary changes for English-track students to encompass Notre Dame on Burham Street.
PVNC says St. Michael won’t close until the Ministry of Education approves all the requested changes along with capital funding requests for Notre Dame with the priorities being a new replacement school and new addition and facility improvements.
“Effectively, it is business as usual for at least the next two school years,” the board states.
Families impacted by the boundary shift will be asked to indicate their preference for school attendance for the 2018-2019 school year.
“New families moving into the revised school catchment area will attend St. Joseph from this point forward,” the board said.