As approved at its Nov. 29 board meeting, the Thames Valley District School Board is proceeding with its St. Thomas elementary school attendance area review.
It is prompted by rapid residential development in the city and in neighbouring municipalities.
The aim is to balance enrolment at area schools, in particular Kettle Creek and Mitch Hepburn public schools with the hope of relying on fewer portables and reducing travel time for students.
Ultimately, explains Geoff Vogt, Superintendent of Facility Services and Capital Planning, the review will strengthen the board’s business case for a new elementary school in the northwest quadrant of St. Thomas.
Next steps involve forming an Attendance Area Review Committee (AARC) as well as school level subcommittees with parent/guardian representatives from each school. Sub-committees will hold meetings with their school communities to gather public feedback and to strengthen the options under consideration.
Parents or guardians of children at affected schools who are interested in joining an AAR Committee, can complete an Expression of Interest Form and submit a copy of it to their principal no later than 8 a.m. on December 23, 2022.
You can find out more about the City of St. Thomas Elementary Panel Attendance Area Review at www.tvdsb.ca/staar.
