Grade reorganization coming to Eastern Passage schools

The Halifax Regional School Board has voted in favour of grade reorganization at Eastern Passage schools until the new Eastern Passage high school opens.

During a special meeting on Wednesday evening, the board approved the new configuration to be:

• Eastern Passage Education Centre: Grades 6 to 8 for English and French.
• Tallahassee Community School: Grades Primary to 3 for English and French.
• Oceanview Elementary School: Grades Primary to 3 for English.
• Seaside Elementary School: Grades 4 and 5 for English and French.

Approximately 30 students affected

Grade 9 students would go to the new Eastern Passage high school, which the province has approved for construction.

The changes come after a parent-led committee examined schools in Eastern Passage, N.S., and made the recommendation to reorganize some of the grades to balance the number of students per classroom and per school.

Approximately 30 students will be affected by the grade reorganization.

School options committee pleased with vote

Michelle Myers, a member of the school options committee that worked on the recommendations to the school board, said she is pleased with their decision.

"I'm very happy, we put a lot of hard work into this," said Myers. "We presented one solid option. I'm confident that the committee did everything in our power with the space we were given and the number of students in the community. I'm confident that we came up with best option for the school board and I think that was proven by the unanimous decision"

While most of the changes will be implemented once the new high school opens, some students will be affected immediately.

Ocean View Elementary will become the school for Primary to Grade 3 students living on Hornes Road, Janice Ann Drive, Scott Drive, Pine Street, Maple Lane, Oak Lake, Cedar Lane, Fredericks Lane, Juniper Crescent, Hawthorn Street, Gulf Street, Birchill Drive and Caldwell Road from 1514-1544 and 1525-2539.