Considering School Closure Riverside Elementary School Parent Meeting April 27, 2009

Considering School Closure The Board of Education of School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows) has begun a process that will possibly result in the closure of one or more elementary schools. District staff are currently focusing on the possibility of closing Riverside elementary school effective September, 2009.

Considering School Closure BACKGROUND May Cornerstone Report recommends closure of at least three elementary schools. 2007/08 - District conducts consultation process concerning the possible closure of three elementary schools, including Riverside. May The Board decides not to consider school closures at that time. April 2009 – After looking at various options the Board approves a series of motions involving the possible closure of three schools, including Riverside.

Considering School Closure Q. What is happening to Riverside English enrolment? A. The English enrolment at Riverside has been steadily declining for the past five years (registered)123

Considering School Closure Q. How many students was the school built for? A.Riverside was built to house 471 students. The current English enrolment of 142 is 30% of the school’s rated capacity Next year’s anticipated English enrolment of 123 is 26% of the school’s rated capacity

Considering School Closure Q. How many students attending Riverside live in Riverside catchment? A.Currently only 79 Riverside students (in the English program) actually live in the Riverside catchment

Considering School Closure On April 8, 2009 the Board considered a number of options regarding the possible closure of one or more elementary schools. After considering the options, the Board approved a series of motions that resulted in the following: 1.Riverside to be considered for closure (possibly involving amalgamation with Maple Ridge) 2.Mount Crescent to be considered for closure (possibly involving amalgamation with Glenwood) 3.Webster's Corner to be considered for closure (possibly involving amalgamation with Blue Mountain)

Considering School Closure Q. What is the difference between amalgamation and closure? A.With amalgamation, the ‘receiving’ school would be expected to accept students from the ‘closing’ school to the extent possible. With closure, parents could choose to enrol their children at any school where space is available. Every effort would be made to accommodate their wishes, but no single school would be expected to enrol all or most of the ‘closing’ school population.

Considering School Closure NEXT STEPS District staff are currently focusing on the possibility of closing Riverside elementary school effective September, On Monday, April 27, the Board and senior administration staff will meet with parents and staff of Riverside elementary school to provide information and receive input. On Wednesday, April 29, the Board will consider recommendations regarding the closure of Riverside in 2009 or 2010, as well as a longer range plan for other schools.

Considering School Closure

Q. If Riverside closes, where will students go? A.If Riverside closes, parents can register their children at any school where space is available. The District will make every effort to accommodate parent choice. However, there are some schools where it might not be possible to accept new students.

Considering School Closure SCHOOL Blue Mountain Webster’s Corner Mount Crescent Glenwood Eric Langton Highland Park RIVERSIDE Hammond Maple Ridge Davie Jones Whonnock Yennadon Alouette Albion Fairview Edith McDermott Harry Hooge Kanaka Creek Pitt Meadows Laity View Alexander Robinson Golden Ears COST PER STUDENT* 10,215 9,962 9,698 9,444 9,246 8,717 8,301 8,297 8,256 8,236 7,999 7,846 7,812 7,615 7,494 7,403 7,335 7,223 7,219 7,161 7,091 7,035 Q. Do small schools cost more to run? A. Generally speaking, Yes. Total educational costs tend to be greater in smaller schools *Costs include: salaries and benefits ESL costs transportation supplies and services student support services teacher on call international education maintenance aboriginal education overhead ENROLMENT

Considering School Closure Q. What are the benefits of closing schools? A. School closure can have benefits for all students in the District. It is more challenging to deal with class size and composition issues in smaller schools In larger schools, students are exposed to a wider range of program options More resources in general are available in larger schools School closure will help the District qualify for funding to build new schools

Considering School Closure Q. Is there any indication that enrolment could increase at Riverside ? A. All our projection methods show that Riverside enrolment will continue to decline for several years and will never return to previous levels YEAR PROJECTED ENROLMENT

Which catchment areas do Riverside students come from?