South Marysburgh School will close in 2011

The Hastings and Prince Edward Board of Education last night approved the plan to close South Marysburgh Public School next June. The students will attend Athol Central School in September 2011. Renovations are to be made to Athol.  An accommodation review  found that the total number of students for the two schools would drop to 120 students over the next 10 years.

In other board of education news from Monday’s meeting, outgoing student trustees, Gabe Platt, of Prince Edward Collegiate Institute, and Samantha Willman, of Trenton High School, were thanked for their service on the board during the 2009-2010 school year. The school board involves students in the educational decision-making process by supporting student trustees as representatives of the interests of students.

2010-2011 budget
Board members approved the 2010-2011 budget in the amount of $193,995,362. For the past number of years HPEDSB has experienced enrolment decline, first in elementary schools and now in secondary schools. Over the past four years, enrolment has declined by almost 2,000 students, including 640 projected for the 2010-2011 school year. The combined impact of declining enrolment and government restraint measures impact the budget by approximately $1.8 million.
Included in the budget are expenditure reductions of $1.3 million, including the following:
* $723,000 for a reduction in Special Education staffing, including:
1.50 central office coordinators
5.66 teachers
5.00 educational assistants
* $250,000 for a reduction in 5.00 operations and maintenance positions
* 250,000 for a delay in computer replacements
* $50,000 for Education Centre departmental budgets
* $75,000 representing a 50% reduction in the additional support provided to secondary schools for textbooks

Septic system replacement at Massassaga-Rednersville
A tender in the amount of $69,750 was awarded to Wemp & Smith Construction Ltd. for septic system replacement at Massassaga-Rednersville Public School. The work is necessary due to age and deteriorated condition. A replacement system has been designed and planned for construction this summer. Funds were included in the building renewal budget.