BARRY’S BAY – The board of trustees for the Renfrew County District School Board have recommended that Sherwood Public School be rebuilt within the walls of Madawaska Valley District High School.
The recommendation was made at the regular board meeting on June 16.
One of the main reasons for the merge is declining enrolment at both schools. According to the board, currently, there are 113 students at Sherwood and 372 students at MVDHS. Combined, the empty spaces of both schools equal nearly 50 per cent.
Three sessions were held in May to gather input from Sherwood and MVHDS staff, municipal and school council representatives, as well as the public.
RCDSB Chairperson David Kaiser said in a statement that the merge would align with RCDSB’s three guiding principles, which include teaching and learning; safe, caring and respectful learning environments; and wise use of recourses.
“The board’s vision is to ensure Kindergarten to Grade 12 education remains viable in the Barry’s Bay community for the foreseeable future,” he added.
The recommendation will be subject to the Ministry of Education’s approved capital funding for the project.
If the merge is successful, a combined Sherwood and MVDHS will happen in September 2016.