A brand-new elementary school is on the horizon for Georgetown, P.E.I., with initial plans underway, as confirmed by the provincial minister of education and early years. In the 2024 capital budget, the province pledged to replace the current kindergarten to Grade 8 school in the community, which faced dwindling enrollment last year within the Public Schools Branch. Some classes had as few as six students, while the largest class accommodated only 11.
Minister Robin Croucher emphasized the significance of schools in rural areas, describing them as integral components of community cohesion. Acknowledging the efforts of Georgetown school staff in maintaining the premises, Croucher expressed during a walkthrough that the school’s condition necessitates a replacement due to its deteriorating state, beyond feasible repair or upgrades.
A public consultation was conducted at Montague Intermediate School on Wednesday to explore the necessity for a new school in Three Rivers. The existing Grade 7 to 9 school, aged 65 years and having undergone two renovations, is anticipated to witness a surge in student numbers in the upcoming years, although a study commissioned by the Public Schools Branch indicated that the school is nearing its capacity.
The study outlined eight potential options and put forth three recommendations, including a proposal for the government to approve the construction of a new kindergarten to Grade 9 school to accommodate the projected increase in student enrollment.
Minister Croucher clarified that the report concerning Montague Intermediate does not directly correlate with the situation at Georgetown school, emphasizing that the meeting aimed at sharing information rather than suggesting closure of the Georgetown facility. He affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the construction of a new school in Georgetown.