A new primary school is set to be built in Georgetown, P.E.I., as plans are already underway, according to the province’s minister of education and early years. This decision was made following the province’s commitment in the 2024 capital budget to replace the current kindergarten to Grade 8 school in the community. The existing school had notably low enrollment numbers last year, with some classes having only six students and the largest class consisting of 11 students.
Minister Robin Croucher emphasized the significance of schools in rural areas of the province, referring to them as integral parts of the community’s essence. During a visit to Georgetown school, Croucher remarked on the school’s efforts but also acknowledged the pressing need for a new facility, stating that the current school has reached the end of its lifespan and is beyond repair or renovation.
In a separate development, a public meeting was held at Montague Intermediate School to address the potential necessity of a new school in Three Rivers. The 65-year-old Grade 7 to 9 school has undergone renovations twice. Despite expectations of an increase in student population in the upcoming years, a school study conducted for the Public Schools Branch indicated that the current building is nearing full capacity.
The study presented several options and recommendations, with one suggestion being the approval of a new kindergarten to Grade 9 school by the government to accommodate the anticipated rise in student numbers. Minister Croucher clarified that the report discussed at the meeting pertained specifically to Montague Intermediate and its requirements, emphasizing that there were no plans to close Georgetown school as part of that report. The commitment to constructing a new school in Georgetown remains unchanged.
