Parents fighting to preserve a historic inner-city elementary are praying their pleas will keep St. Angela School open.
The Calgary Catholic School District announced last month it would consider closing the Bridgeland elementary due to low enrolments.
Built in 1913, the facility at 231 6th St. N.E. is home to only 103 students.
District administration cited limitations in the programs that can be offered with so few children, and financial constraints, as some of the reasons behind the possible closure.
But neighbourhood parents argue they prefer the intimate school setting for their kids.
They also question why their school is up for closure now given that the school’s population has remained constant for the past decade.
“This is a growing school. We understand sometimes schools need to close. . . . When a school is shrinking and a neighbourhood is aging, sometimes that has to happen. But our point is that this is not happening at St. Angela,” said Laurie Stretch, parent and chairwoman of the Save Our Inner City School Coalition.
St. Angela parents have mounted a campaign. Yellow plastic signs with the message Save Our Inner City School dot the snow-covered front lawns of homes in Bridgeland and Renfrew.
Two dozen parents turned out to Wednesday’s school board meeting to show their support.
“St. Angela school closure will rip the heart out of our community,” said Stephanie Felker, vice-president of the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association.
She warned that some families, including hers, will leave the Calgary Catholic School District if trustees shut their school.
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The Save Our Inner City School Coalition listed reasons why St. Angela should remain open. It offers small class sizes, students can participate in religious celebrations at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, and children staying at a nearby emergency women’s shelter can walk to the school.
Ald. Joe Ceci said Wednesday he was surprised to hear St. Angela School may close given the development taking place in Bridgeland.
The Bridges development, designed to accommodate 2,000 residents, will bring an influx of young families into the neighbourhood, he said.
A public meeting will be held at St. Angela School on Jan. 12 for trustees to hear more feedback from the community before making their final decision.
smcginnis@theherald. canwest.com
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