MALLAIG - In a bid to create a more attractive and viable bid for a new school build in Mallaig, the St. Paul Education board of trustees has agreed to decrease the capacity of a potential new school in the community from 350 students to 320 students.
Following a study completed in March of 2018, it was determined that a new school build would likely be the best option to replace the aging Kindergarten to Grade 12 school in Mallaig. The school remains the number one capital priority for the school division.
"That's been our number one priority for a number of years," said Secretary-Treasurer Jean Champagne, during the May 12 board meeting.
But, based on enrolment projections for the next school year, the project proposal will be scaled down.
St. Paul Education is projecting 209 students in Mallaig for 2021/22. Current enrolment is 210 students, confirmed Champagne.
"The Province has its own forecasting tool and their forecast going out to 2025-26 is 250 students," said Champagne, after the meeting. "So, they are saying, based on their modelling, that (number) is pretty much the max enrolment for the near future, which is why they wanted us to reconsider the capacity."
The original project request would have seen a school built for 350 students.
"It's not a huge difference," said Champagne, speaking to the reduced number, adding, if this change improves the chances of the project being approved, it is something the division is willing to do. He also explained that schools are typically designed to allow for expansion capability, if future enrolment requires it.
Board Chair Heather Starosielski, who has Mallaig School included in her ward, noted that capital projects often depend on the provincial economy. She noted that it's important to make the project as attractive as possible.
Starosielski also pointed out that a playschool program has recently been started at Mallaig School, as a way to help attract more students to the school. Those playschool numbers, however, are not included in any enrolment projections.
"The school is the heart of the community," said Starosielski, referring to the findings of the study that took place in 2018. But, she noted it's important for the project to also be viable.
A motion to amend the capital plan, and reduce the capacity of a proposed new school in Mallaig to 320 students, was approved by the board.
