Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools has approved motions to start a series of consultations with parents to potentially close several schools in the County of Wetaskiwin or amalgamate them into one bigger school in the Buck Lake area.
A member of the Winfield Elementary School Parents Council, Erin Woods, says the consultations are taking place in January and February.
Woods indicated the Wetaskiwin school board superintendent will likely recommend the closure of at least one school in Buck Lake, one in Pigeon Lake and one in Wetaskiwin, in March.
Woods added that in case of potential closure, the issue will create a series of problems, not only for students, but also for the communities.
“It will affect not only students from K-12 grades but also communities, businesses, local organizations and visitors to each area,” she said.
Woods says the closure of these schools will also create a busing issue for students and families as some might be forced to travel over one hour to get their kids to a school.
“If it’s too far away for families, they will just move away. Or they will put their children in another school closer to them,” Woods said.
Karen Becker, chairperson for the Wetaskiwin school board, said in an email that no decision has been made.
She added that for any decision to be made, the parent’s voice will be an integral element of it.
”We recognize the importance of the school as the heart of the community, and we are committed to do the best we can to contribute to rural sustainability for the community as a whole,” Becker said.
Woods said that between 60-80 students are studying at these schools.
Since the beginning of January, two rounds of consultations regarding the possible scenarios have been held at Alder Flats and Winfield Elementary schools.
The next round of consultation will take place on Jan. 23 at Buck Mountain Central School at 6 p.m.
Public participation is encouraged.