Division News

Division News

NSD seeking more feedback from residents about the future of Pelican Mountain School

Posted on March 29

Northland School Division (NSD) is seeking more input from parents, guardians, grandparents and community members about the future of Pelican Mountain School. On January 18, 2019, the Board of Trustees approved a notice of motion regarding the possible closing of Pelican Mountain School. The consideration was initiated in response to low enrolment numbers triggering criteria for possible closure as set out in Policy 15 – School Closure. On March 19th, NSD hosted a public meeting to understand the reasons why enrolment is down and discuss alternative programming and a preferred future for Pelican Mountain School.

Click here to view March 20, 2019, Pelican Mountain School Viability Community Meeting Minutes

“I would like to thank parents, guardians, grandparents, Elders, community members and school staff for participating in this important process,” said Maddy Daniels, Board Chair. “It’s important to have challenging conversations in order to make decisions based on the best interest of students. Before a final decision is made, I encourage parents, guardians, grandparents, Elders, community members and school staff who haven’t filled out the survey that was provided at the meeting to please do so. We need your participation and feedback.”

The survey questions will help NSD understand why families are sending their child or children to another school, what families like about Pelican Mountain School and what changes would families like to see at the school.

“We are very interested in finding ways to ensure the school is viable,” said Gord Atkinson, Superintendent of Schools. “We need school community participation to help us create a learning environment that helps Pelican Mountain School students thrive as learners.”

Click here to fill out the survey or visit Pelican Mountain School to fill out the questionnaire.  The survey window is open until Tuesday, April 23, 2019. You can also submit feedback by mail or email to:

  • Mail: Gord Atkinson, Superintendent of Schools, Northland School Division No.61, P.O. Bag 1400 9809 77th Avenue Peace River, AB, T8S-1V2
  • Email: gord.atkinson@nsd61.ca 

Once NSD has captured the feedback, the Board of Trustees will review the input and other pertinent information prior to the May 24, 2019, Regular Board Meeting. At that time, the Board of Trustees will decide the future of Pelican Mountain School.