Should Hillcrest School close and become part of a new Bessborough School in Moncton’s West End?
Many Hillcrest parents believe the smaller school should stay open for a variety of reasons.
Madelaine Currier says the the size of Hillcrest is ideal for her son who suffers from anxiety issues and fears a move to a larger school would traumatize him.
“The small classes are essential. The small… just walking through the hallways… it’s not as busy. So for his particular needs, it’s very helpful,” she says.
Former student and educator Steve Woodworth, who did his practice teaching at Hillcrest, believes the end product is better at a smaller school compared to a larger one.
Currier adds, “If Hillcrest were not an option, my son would have to be home schooled.”
Hillcrest School currently has about 166 students which is half of its operating capacity.
Anglophone East Superintendent Gregg Ingersoll says they will make a decision at the next District Education Council meeting on November 21st.
“If Hillcrest is going to be included in the the new school, the Department of Education will be informed, and the application for the new school will be amended. If Hillcrest is not going to be included, then it will remain the way it is and continue as it is,” says Ingersoll.
But Ingersoll also notes, “The school is older, so at one point down the road, they may have to look at what happens next. They could potentially look at a mid-life upgrade, or we could ask for a new school to replace Hillcrest, but this is not something that is going to happen in the near future.”
