A decision has been made in Whitecourt. 

Following consultation with parents, staff, division stakeholders and the community, and assessment of student/learning needs in Whitecourt, a decision has been made to return Pat Hardy School and Whitecourt Central School to K-5 elementary models, commencing with the 2023-24 school year. 

NGPS Superintendent Kevin Bird:

“Since 2012, Whitecourt has changed in size, population and layout. Populations of learners ‘up the hill’ and ‘in the valley’ have balanced over the years. At the same time, the needs of early learners have accelerated across the Division. The decision to return to two K-5 models will result in a more even balance of students and needs in Whitecourt. Thank you to everyone who weighed in on ngpsTALK. Your thoughtful feedback is critical to informing planning, and your ongoing support of the schools and staff of NGPS is sincerely appreciated.”

A transition plan will be shared with school communities within the next few weeks.