School boundaries are likely to change for four schools in the Red Deer Regional Catholics Schools when Father Henri Voisin School opens its doors in Clearview Ridge in two years.
About 22 parents of students in the division listened to a few possible boundary scenarios and guiding principles at a joint council meeting where district staff outlined the process for the upcoming changes and the results of a programming survey.
The boundaries for Holy Family School, Maryview School, St. Elizabeth Seton School, St. Teresa of Avila School, St. Martin de Porres School and St. Patrick’s Community School were up for discussion.
Parents in the district were also surveyed this month about the continuation of St. Patrick’s Community School as a year round school, which would ultimately impact the boundaries.
Ken Jaeger, supervisor of support services, said there was overwhelming support for year round education so the boundaries will not likely change for St. Pat’s.
As well, St. Martin de Porres School, a school of choice for fine arts focus, will continue along the same stream so its boundaries would not change.
“The others weren’t not sure,” said Jaeger.
“It’s very likely the south side elementary schools –– Holy Family, St. Elizabeth, Maryview –– some or all of those will be impacted. St. Teresa, on the north side of the river, still has some room to grow so if it changes it will be minor to that one.”
In September, the district will go over the enrolment numbers of students from the neighbourhoods including Timberstone or Clearview Ridge that may attend the new school and its south side elementary schools. Jaeger said they want to balance students numbers so they do not pull out too many students out of one school.
The finalized boundary changes are expected to be before the board before Christmas. Father Henri Voisin School, a kindergarten to Grade 5 school, is expected to open in the 2014-2015 school year.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com