With the future of the schools in Jarvie and Fawcett currently up for debate, it’s critical that the decision of what to do is not left to Pembina Hills school division trustees alone.
Yes, they have been elected as stewards of public education in the area, but a decision like this cannot be left in their hands and their hands only.
The closure of an entire school can have drastic effects on the community in which it’s located, especially if the school in question is the only one in the community.
Already, it’s been a community effort through the Westlock North Task Force that has produced the recommendation that the best course of action is to close down Jarvie and W.R. Frose schools.
However, it should go without saying that the recommendation is just that. Just because something is suggested by a small subset of the population doesn’t mean that it’s the right move to make.
And it also doesn’t mean that everyone is on board with the task force’s recommendation.
It is likely the task force itself wasn’t unanimous in its conclusions.
With two meetings scheduled for this Tuesday, Jan. 22 in Jarvie and Fawcett, parents, local residents and concerned individuals will be given the chance to hear about the task force’s decision and get to voice their thoughts on the matter.
Don’t miss this opportunity.
Don’t abdicate your responsibility to ensure that your voice is heard.
It’s crucial for everyone who could be affected by either school’s closure to get out there and let the task force, and by extension the trustees, know just what you think of the idea.
A school has been likened to the lifeblood of small communities. It’s a place where children spend most of their waking hours, learning how to become strong members of society.
It’s imperative that the decision is made once all the facts and voices have been heard.
To that end, it’s essential that whether you’re in favour of seeing Jarvie and W.R. Frose schools close, or you feel it’s scandalous that closing the schools is even being contemplated, that you attend the information sessions this Tuesday and let your thoughts be known.
To do otherwise would be to forfeit any sense of community involvement.
