The Lambton-Kent District School Board is moving forward with the consolidation of two Chatham public schools, and the closure of another.
A recommendation was presented to trustees during a school board meeting Tuesday night. The recommendation stated that students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 in the English program at John N. Given Public School would move to Tecumseh Public School for September 2018. Meanwhile, French Immersion students in Grade 7-8 at John N. Given Public School would relocate to McNaughton Avenue Public School in September 2017.
John N. Given Public School will then officially close July 1, 2018.
The consolidation passed in a unanimous vote.
"Given the fact that we didn't have any delegations to the board, that made the addendum to the final staff report virtually identical to our final staff report," said Jim Costello, director of education. "The recommendations were the same and in the absence of any objection, I felt we were on pretty good footing with our trustees."
As stated in the report, the consolidation is expected to lead to higher enrollment numbers. At Tecumseh Public School, the projected enrollment number is estimated at 517 and the projection for McNaughton Avenue Public School is estimated at 737.
Moving forward, committees will need to be formed in order to help students and staff with the transition process.
"We have to get ready to move our French Immersion students from John N. Given back to McNaughton Avenue Public School. It's highly likely we'll need a portable classroom there," he said. "Then we have to begin the process next year of starting to plan for the transition of the materials, all the awards, [and] traditions."
In addition, a naming committee will need to be formed for the possible name change of the two consolidated schools, Tecumseh Public School and John N. Given Public School. These committees are expected to be formed in the fall with representatives from the board, schools, and the community.
"We will want to hit the ground running with the transition committee as soon as possible," said Costello.
Costello previously told BlackburnNews.com that letters would be sent home advising parents of the upcoming changes and projected timelines.