If approved next week, the decision to close the school will take effect this June 30. The Review Committee also had sought and received public input before recommending closure of the school. As a result of the Committee s fact-finding investigation, Terpstra, the Superintendent of Schools responsible for all Clarington schools, also supported closure of the school. In addition, she brought forward the recommendations for transfer of Mitchell s Corners students to Hampton Junior PS effective this September, and disposition of the former school building. Certainly, this will be a difficult decision to make.
Schools are centres of their community, an important part of each community s life.
While reviewing the school data regarding programming, however, it became clear that Mitchell s students were not getting the advantages that larger schools have, such as team teaching and the opportunity for more students to work together on projects. The Review Committee felt its recommendation to close the school would be best for students. Also at tonight s meeting, Oleh Perun, of the Mitchell s Corners Soccer Park, expressed concern for the children s continued participation in sports activities in their own community if the school is closed. He requested both the Board and the municipality leave the school in community hands for use as a community centre. In addition, if the recommendations are approved, the Board will have to follow specific legal requirements for disposal of the Mitchell s Corners building, he said.