Closing a school is a legal process regulated by the Government of Alberta, and involves many opportunities for parents and community members to voice concerns and provide input. The Board of Trustees has the sole authority to decide on school closures. Read a step-by-step flowchart of the school closure process. (pdf)

Read more about Sector Planning, the process Edmonton Public uses to manage space in the District.

WHAT HAPPENS TO A SCHOOL BUILDING WHEN IT CLOSES?

Once the students and staff leave a school that has been closed, staff in Property Management and Purchasing work to secure the building against vandalism, organize the relocation of furniture and equipment, and prepare the building for its next purpose.

Resources in the school such as library books, desks, A/V equipment and computers are assigned to the receiving school where the students are designated to go. Any resources for special needs programs follow the special needs students. Once the receiving schools have the resources they need, left over items are offered to other District schools. Items that aren't usable are recycled.

Memorabilia, plaques, yearbooks, etc. are taken to the District Archives and Museum. The school name remains on the building and is never removed while it is owned by the District.

Before offering space in a school to partners or tenants, the District will review its own need for administrative space. The needs and concerns of each community are taken into consideration before a tenant is placed. Top priority for leases goes to organizations offering educational, child care or services to the community in general. Municipal zoning of the school property limits the uses allowed - eliminating the worry of school property being used for retail, industrial or commercial purposes.

Read more about the many ways closed schools have been repurposed to benefit community groups and educational programs. (pdf)

MORE INFORMATION

The following reports were presented to the Board of Trustees on February 9, 2010:

City Centre Education Project Recommendation to Consider Closure Report Feb. 9/10 (pdf, 5mb)