James Mowat Elementary Enrolment Pressure Engagement
Project 2: For Saskatchewan
public engagement efforts facilitated by Y Station
Over the last few years, Fort Saskatchewan has experienced substantial residential growth. In fact, the growth is at a point where it affects the Division’s ability to provide accommodation for students living in the area. For EIPS, addressing enrolment pressures at James Mowat Elementary is one of the most pressing issues within the city. Despite the addition of one modular classroom, enrolment projections indicate the school will reach capacity in 2022-23. The reason: James Mowat Elementary is the designated receiving school for the city’s new Westpark neighbourhood. As such, the Division anticipates the high enrolment to continue at the school as Westpark develops and families move in. The Division will form a community-supported solution to manage the school’s growth and address the enrolment issues.
Latest Updates
Throughout June to September 2022, Elk Island Public Schools held public consultations with the James Mowat Elementary community to explore how best to manage the student growth and enrolment pressure at the school. Refer to the background and project history for all reports on these engagement efforts.
In November 2022, the Board of Trustees received the final report on the James Mowat public engagement process and approved a Random Selection Process Pilot at the school, launching in 2023-24.
Public Engagement Dates and Timelines
James Mowat Elementary Enrolment Pressure
Spring 2022
- One public meeting at James Mowat Elementary: June 14, 2022; 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- One public meeting at James Mowat Elementary: June 16, 2022; 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- One online survey: June 14-30
Fall 2022
- One public meeting at James Mowat Elementary: Sept. 22, 2022; 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- One online survey: September 23 to October 3
In November 2022, EIPS presented the Board of Trustees with a final report.
Background and Project History
EIPS hired Y Station to facilitate this public engagement process
This project focuses on enrolment pressures within EIPS schools—specifically at James Mowat Elementary—that will affect the current and future school community.
James Mowat Elementary is at capacity for the 2022-23 school year, despite the addition of one modular classroom in September 2022. James Mowat Elementary is the designated school for the Westpark neighbourhood in the City of Fort Saskatchewan. High enrolment is expected to continue at James Mowat Elementary as Westpark continues to develop and new families move in.
The purpose of this engagement is to collaborate with stakeholders to develop an appropriate solution to the school's enrolment pressures
The final report was presented to the Board of Trustees, and a decision made, in November 2022.
James Mowat Elementary What We Heard Report: Spring 2022
James Mowat Elementary What We Heard Report: Fall 2022
FAQ: James Mowat Elementary Enrolment Pressures (last updated: September 2022)
EIPS Board report: Nov. 17, 2022