Edmonton public board to review school closures

Struggling schools in mature neighbourhoods are not in danger of closing following the end of a two-year moratorium on school closures this December.

Edmonton Public School Board trustees imposed the moratorium in 2010 after the board closed five schools, angering parents, students and community groups.

On Tuesday trustees supported a recommendation to review the entire school system including all buildings and schools.

The review will "look at the realities of our pressures on mature neighbourhoods and the mature schools, ensure that they're safe for the long term becasue we want high quality, safe buildings throughout our city," said board chair Sarah Hoffman.

The review will involve communities to ensure their needs are met as well as educational needs, she said.

As a result of the review, a previous motion to look at school closures as early as this December is off the table.

Hoffman expects the administration to come back with its review report by next June.