3 Windsor elementary schools targeted for closure

Three elementary schools in Windsor's city core are targeted for closure.

Hugh Beaton, Prince Edward and Queen Victoria are in the crosshairs of the Greater Essex County District School Board administration.

One new school would be built to accommodate students from Prince Edward and Queen Victoria. John Campbell would possibly expand to accommodate kids from Hugh Beaton.

An education committee will start looking at changes to the trio of elementary schools in Windsor's core.

Tonight, the board will decide on whether to approve an accommodation review.

A final decision is expected in October.

Coun. Rino Bortolin has taken to Facebook to pan the idea, with a sense of urgency.

"Whether your kids attend these schools or not this move will have an impact on our core neighbourhoods. Start by emailing the trustees and voicing your displeasure with this recommendation," he wrote in part. "Once this passes tonight we need to make sure we come to the table with viable, sustainable options for trustees to consider seriously. We cannot simply oppose the recommendation based on emotion or self interest."

According to the report headed to the board tonight, 62 per cent of both Prince Edward and Queen Victoria are being used.

Board trustee Alan Halberstadt told CBC News all three schools being considered for closure have high maintenance costs, up to $8 million per school.

Halberstadt said the board will decide tonight on one of three options:

• No review, meaning status quo remains.
• Modified review, which includes one public meeting with a final decision made Oct 18.
• Standard review, which includes two public meetings with a final decision made Dec 13.

Halberstadt says he's in favour of a standard review because it allows for more time for public consultation.

Regardless of whether it's a modified or standard review, the first public meeting will be June 14.