Former trade school may be shut

The Calgary Board of Education has voted to consider closing one of its former vocational schools.

Sir William Van Horne High School in northwest Calgary was built in the late 1960s to offer vocational and technical studies. But due to declining enrolments, trustees voted Tuesday to consider moving its students into traditional high schools.

"I hope the public understands this is a process of going out to gain input and hear back from the community and hear the answers to their questions so trustees can make the best decision possible for their students," said trustee Lynn Ferguson.

The prospect of closure worries many Van Horne students, and about a dozen gathered to chant "save our school" outside the CBE head office while trustees voted.

"If they close this school, there’s so many kids who are going to drop out," said Kathryn Sawatzky.

She credits school staff with helping her work toward her diploma.

"This school gives you chances. They don’t give up on you," added Shameelah Samut, also returning to finish Grade 12.

While most Calgary high schools boast 1,000 or more students, Sir William Van Horne High has less than 300 youths studying in a building that accommodates 965 students.

Maintaining Sir William Van Horne High is "little over twice the cost per student than at the average school in the system," said Frank Coppinger, superintendent of facilities and environmental services.

There’s also been an increasing movement to offer skills-based and employment-focused courses at all high schools, instead of congregating such students in one building, trustees were told.

But with 78 per cent of its students requiring special education modifications, Sir William Van Horne students are "complex learners" who may struggle in a traditional school, said school council chairwoman and parent Gloria Singendonk.

"It’s about students with high needs that are at risk and finding a place where they feel safe. That’s important. It’s not just about where they can get their courses," said Singendonk.

Chief superintendent Naomi Johnson acknowledged the needs of students at Sir William Van Horne are unique and said changes would be required to accommodate them elsewhere.

If approved later this spring, Sir William Van Horne High School would close in June 2011.

The CBE is also looking at relocating the Juno Beach Academy of Canadian Studies program to Dr. Norman Bethune School.

The alternative program currently resides in Lord Shaughnessy High School, which the CBE plans to convert into a career and technology centre.

smcginnis@theherald.canwest.com