Eastern School District delays zoning overhaul

There will be some rezoning of schools in P.E.I.'s Eastern School District for the 2010-11 school year but the superintendent is not recommending the complete overhaul originally planned.

District superintendent Sandy MacDonald told

'It may be easier for some of the students who are in a place like Glen Stewart to go to Donagh or go to Vernon River.' Sandy MacDonald, Eastern School District

CBC News on Tuesday that with the planned move of kindergartens into schools from daycares, and the closure of eight schools in June, the board already has enough to do.

"Right now, I'm leaning towards rezoning only those areas that really have to be rezoned," said MacDonald.

"Given that we've got these other major projects on the go, it's important that we do a good job with the work that's in front of us."

MacDonald said some rezoning will be necessary to accommodate the kindergarten students. For example, five kindergarten classes will be added at West Royalty Elementary in Charlottetown, which is already overcrowded.

"We've got that one at the top of our list," he said.

"We'll look at some other ones, like Donagh and like Vernon River, not because we have to because of space issues, but because it may be easier for some of the students who are in a place like Glen Stewart to go to Donagh or go to Vernon River."

MacDonald said he thinks most people will be happy with major changes being delayed. He noted many people will settle specifically into an area because they are interested having their children go to a particular school.

MacDonald will give his preliminary analysis to the school board of trustees by mid-October and a final report with recommendations by Dec. 31.

The board will hold six weeks of public hearings on the proposed changes and then vote. Parents who don't like the board's decision can appeal their individual zoning.