Dear Editor:
Reporter Michael Lee did a good and thorough job explaining the complex situation concerning South Shore Regional School Board (SSRSB) and Petite (PRES) and Pentz (PES) Schools. Unfortunately, his figures on school enrollment are based solely on a report SSRSB first revealed to the public at the February 22 meeting. Until then, the board’s own projections for PRES for the next four year’s forecast a 40% increase in enrolment, i.e. 83 (2017/2018); 88 (2018/2019); 92 (2019/2020); 98 (2020/2021). ((Source: Bridgewater and Park View Families of Schools, Binder for School Options Committee, 2015-2016, SSRSB))
These figures do not include young families with children that have moved into the area or women who have become pregnant in the last 6 months. (And anyone who has gone to the West Dublin Market lately will be aware of both these kinds of growth.)
Sadly the enrolment for Pentz is not projected to increase in the same time period. However if roughly half of Pentz students (those in the southern part of the catchment area, such as nearby Lahave and Dublin Shore) were to be sent to Petite Elementary, it would bring numbers to 113 (2017/2018); 118 (2018/2019); 122 (2019/2020); 128 (2020/2021)
This would mean a utilization of 85% of school space for PRES over the next 4 years.
Clearly, this is another good argument for the elected board to keep their word and request the $6 million offered to it from the Province for an Addition and Alteration to keep PRES open for this vibrant and growing community.
Phylis Price
Broad Cove