No new concerns are being brought up to the Lambton Kent District School Board, in regards to the possible consolidation involving three public schools in Chatham.
No delegations were presented at the Chatham board meeting Tuesday night.
A final staff report highlights the details regarding the possible consolidation. It involves moving students in the English language programs from John N. Given Public School to Tecumseh Public School; meanwhile Grade 7-8 students from John N. Given's French Immersion Program will be transferred to McNaughton Avenue Public School.
Director of Education Jim Costello says concerns regarding the possible change were brought up during past public meetings. One of the concerns involved the school crossing at Tecumseh Public School.
"We're well aware of it and we're willing to work with the municipality to try and improve that crossing for all of our students," he says.
Another concern brought up during the public sessions had to do with time frames, which was addressed in the final staff report.
"In our recommendation and our final staff report we have moved the possible close date of John N. Given back one year in response to a request from parents," says Costello. "[It's] to give them time to prepare for the school consolidation. We recognize that these are difficult times for the students and their parents."
Since there were no delegations made Tuesday night, Costello says the report that will be voted on next month will be the same as the final staff report.
"As there were no delegations [Tuesday night] it's highly likely that the addendum report that we bring on May 9 will be identical to our final staff report because we haven't heard from anyone so there's no need to modify it," he says.
A final decision made by trustees is expected to take place at their board meeting on May 9. If the vote is in favour of consolidation, Costello says letters will be sent out to go over the next steps.