By September 2019, the number of Catholic elementary schools in Chatham could be downsized from seven to three.
A final report on the Pupil Accommodation Review was presented to the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, Board of Trustees Tuesday night.
The Pupil Accommodation Review Committee (PARC) has come forward with the recommendation of Option A, which involves closing six schools and building two new schools.
Deb Crawford, superintendent of education and acting chair of PARC says one of the new schools would be located in the Chatham's north end and the other in Chatham's south end.
Deb Crawford speaking about the Pupil Accommodation Review final report. February 14, 2017. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
"We'd have two new constructions each of them twin schools of 564 pupil places," she says. "As well, the PARC committee made some other recommendations around the transition -- some pieces that they would like the trustees to consider."
Those recommendations include establishing a transition team, create a multi-level sports organization, and providing students with t-shirts to reflect new school logos/mascots.
In addition to some of those requests, Crawford says PARC would like to ensure that there's a sense of community and religion within the schools.
"When building and when renovating the schools that we make sure that there is a sacred space for worship that would allow the students to gather together and to pray," she says.
She adds PARC would really like to see the three school have a "wow" factor.
"They want to make sure all the three schools are technologically innovative and that are great learning spaces for the students," says Crawford.
Before a final decision is made by the board of trustees, a public session will be held where members of the public can comment on PARC's recommendation.
In order to speak at the next board meeting, people must first submit a written application.
Public delegations will be heard on February 28. However, the board will not make a final decision until March 28.