Potential Queensland school closure debated

Declining enrollment has the school board considering closing one of three elementary schools in the southeast neighbourhood of Queensland.

The possible closure of Queensland Downs School was the subject of an emotional meeting on Thursday night in the school's gymnasium.

The area's three elementary schools can hold 1,000 students, but have only a projected enrollment of just over 500.

Students, parents and neighbours expressed frustration about the proposal.

"Have you ever thought about the children? Asking them and getting their opinion first before you close down it?" said Breanna Morrissette, an 11-year-old who has gone to the school since kindergarten.

Evelyn Chivers, who lives nearby and has attended 18 Christmas concerts at the school, said she hates the thought of an empty school.

"It really breaks my heart to see something like this close because it is such a central part of our community," she said.

The meeting was attended by some Calgary Board of Education trustees. The final decision by the board on the school's future is expected later this winter.

Also up for closure this year are:

• The regular program at Dalhousie School to make way for Spanish bilingual students.
• Eugene Coste School.
• The kindergarten to Grade 3 Traditional Learning Centre program at Highwood School.
• The regular kindergarten to Grade 6 program at Dr. J.K. Mulloy School.