Questions Do we need further consultation on our capital plan for the peninsula? What should the scope of the consultation be? Are we limiting the consultation to the three schools we are discussing here tonight or should the consultation be expanded to include the entire peninsula? What are the options we should consider?

Questions When does renovating a school become an expenditure rather than a long-term investment? What are the criteria we should use for developing a consensus on what is best for the education of our students in this community? What direction do you want me to take back to the Board as a result of our consultation?

Chronology January 9, 2002 – Department of Education asks for revised Capital Construction list by February 15. February 26, 2002 – New Capital list approved by the HRSB forwarded to the Department of Education. June 12, 2003 – Education Minister announces that the province will build three new schools in the HRSB. November 15, 2004 – DOE asks the HRSB to confirm current priority list and prepare a list of any new needs. December 22, 2004 – Board approves new priority list and forwards to the DOE.

July 2005 – DOE requests additional information from the HRSB on proposed Capital projects. August 3, 2005 – Revised submission forwarded to the DOE for information. September 28, 2005 – HRSB approves Capital Project submission by a recorded vote of 9 to 4. November 29, 2006 – HRSB motion directs the Superintendent to consult with the SACs. Chronology

All 8 school boards submit requests Provincial committee reviews each request and prioritizes based on four criteria: –Condition of the existing building –Capacity of existing infrastructure –Existing capacity to accommodate core programs –Efficiencies a project may create. New schools

Inglis Street Elementary Built in 1962 Capacity Range: 366 to 428 Current Enrolment: 192

LeMarchant-St. Thomas Built in 1923 and Renovation in 1958 Capacity Range: 339 to 397 Current Enrolment: 301

Saint Mary’s Built in 1950 Capacity Range – 156 to 168 Current Enrolment – 132

HRM Regional Plan Directs growth to areas with existing infrastructure 25% of anticipated growth directed to Halifax Peninsula and Downtown Dartmouth Attract younger families into the area. An attribute of attracting this cohort is existing neighbourhood schools.

HRM Regional Plan Concerns –Average household expected to decrease from 1.91 persons to 1.86 persons –Lack of affordable housing on Halifax Peninsula. –Differences between HRSB and HRM plans

School Size Smaller versus Larger? Is there an Optimal School Size? Educators recommend many things –About 300 to 500 for Elementary Positive Student Outcomes influenced by –Teacher Quality –Parental Income and School Involvement –School Building itself

School Building Characteristics School Age Higher achievement in Modern schools More positive student attitudes toward school –Higher self-esteem –More prosocial behaviour –Increased feelings of comfort and security –Better attendance

Questions Do we need further consultation on our capital plan for the peninsula? What should the scope of the consultation be? Are we limiting the consultation to the three schools we are discussing here tonight or should the consultation be expanded to include the entire peninsula?

Questions What are the options we should consider? –New South End School to replace three schools –A renovation to one or more of the existing schools –Replace one or more of the existing schools with new facilities –Are there other options?

Questions When does renovating a school become an expenditure rather than a long-term investment? What are the criteria we should use for developing a consensus on what is best for the education of our students in this community? What direction do you want me to take back to the Board as a result of our consultation? Any other Questions or Comments?

Thank You!