Strong community bond and excellence of programming at Lockeport Regional High School has prompted a study to suggest that the schools senior grades not be amalgamated with Shelburne.
A recent study conducted by Gunn’s Leadership Consulting Services suggested to the Tri-County Regional School Board that they not amalgamate the small island school to Shelburne Regional High School despite its low enrollment figures.
The question was asked given the enrolment at LRHS is less than 100 and declining should the senior grades 10, 11 and 12 be transferred to the Shelburne high school.
“When two smaller high schools can be combined, educational advantages and operational efficiencies can be expected,” read the study. “The educational advantages…in being able to offer a wider selection of high school courses.”
“But,” it stated later. “The potential benefits to students of combining two smaller high schools must be weighed against a potential loss of the benefits offered by the schools as they are operating presently.”
The analysis was based on a number of consultations including a public meeting, discussions with the staff at the high school, local government and Coordinator of Lockeport’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan.
Although the Lockeport school has the second lowest grade 10 to 12 enrolment in the school system and enrollment is in a decline, it’s strengths as a school stood stronger than statistics.
“Presently, there is no evidence that the courses and services are not being delivered as they should be and by a well-qualified teaching staff,” continued the report. “The extra-curricular program seems to be very strong.”
It writes that the young staff seems highly committed to the school for the long term and no problem with teacher turnover is expected.
A factor in the suggestion to the school board was the relationship between the community and the school.
“In the case of Lockeport high, it is an understatement to say that it enjoys a very strong relationship of mutual support with its community,” it stated.
Another negative aspect would be the cost increase in busing children as well as the extra time, in some cases as long as one and a half hours it would take to be bused in.
It further explained how the Town of Lockeport was actively fostering an atmosphere or attitude of optimism and hope for the future.
“There may come a time and urgency when a very small high school enrolment forces a careful consideration of amalgamating LRHS with SRHS. This is not the time nor is there any urgency. In fact, given the signs of possible stabilization for the school enrolment and the future of the town and area, it would be untimely and detrimental to recommend that amalgamation be considered now,” the report concluded.
The town mayor was pleased with the study and felt that the analysis was able to portray the school properly.
“It is a small school,” he said. “And numbers do affect funding but the community and the school support each other. We’ve always celebrated with and for them.”
