MHPSD Board of Trustees Votes to Close Two Schools
ATE RELEASE
Medicine Hat Public School Division Board Votes to Close Webster Niblock School and Southview Community School
Medicine Hat, Alberta – On January 6, 2026, the Board of Trustees for Medicine Hat Public School Division (MHPSD) voted to close Webster Niblock School and Southview Community School, at the completion of the 2025-2026 school year. This decision follows a comprehensive value scoping and consultation process, including community engagement sessions, stakeholder surveys, and careful review of feedback and operational data.
The closures are guided by Section 62 of the Education Act and MHPSD Policy 724, ensuring responsible use of resources, addressing infrastructure costs, and supporting strong learning environments for all students. Annual operating savings of roughly $500,000 will be reinvested in classrooms, and deferred maintenance costs totaling $7.9 million will be avoided.
What We Heard & How It’s Shaping the Plan
In person feedback from more than 100 parents, community members and staff and online feedback from 102 survey responses—63 parents, 11 staff, 19 community members, and 9 others surfaced clear priorities: class size and classroom complexity, community and belonging, student wellbeing and specialized supports, logistics and accessibility, and transparent communication.
Catherine Wilson, Board Chair, shared, “As we considered the closure of schools, feedback from staff and families helped us understand the challenges that need to be addressed. These themes informed the Board’s decision and will guide the work ahead.”
Class Size and Classroom Complexity: Families and staff expressed concern about larger classes, reduced individual attention, and increased stress in receiving schools. MHPSD will monitor enrollment as it relates to class sizes and complexities.
Community & Belonging: We will preserve relationships and school identity wherever possible, including legacy recognition activities.
Student Wellbeing & Special Needs: Continuity of supports is a priority, with dedicated planning for students with complex needs.
Logistics & Accessibility: Transportation and walkability concerns will be addressed through updated bus routes and equitable access considerations.
Uncertainty & Communication: We will provide clear rationale, timelines and regular updates leading up to the transition and throughout the 2026-2027 school year.
Transition planning will begin immediately, and detailed plans will be shared publicly as updates occur throughout the remainder of the school year. Superintendent Tracy Hensel noted that, “while changes can present challenges, the division is committed to walking alongside families and staff to make the transition supportive and transparent. We will continue to engage with stakeholders as plans are finalized and implemented.” Guided by community feedback, the transition plan will cover:
School Boundaries: Updated boundaries to ensure healthy and stable school populations.
Before and After School Programs: Continuity and access to programs for any family that requires this service.
Transportation: Updated bus routes, travel times, and accessibility for new school assignments.
Staff Role Reassignments & Workforce Planning: Support for staff transitions, role reassignments, and workforce planning.
School Council: Engagement with school councils to support the transition.
Facilities Readiness: Prepare receiving schools for increased enrollment, classroom adjustments, and move modular classrooms into place.
Student Experience: Academic programs remain consistent, while providing social and emotional support, and planning for special needs.
Community Engagement: Ongoing consultation with families and staff to gather input and address concerns. Build community and foster new relationships.
Operational Logistics: Careful planning for all aspects of the transition, including equity and accessibility.
Legacy Preservation: Honour the history and traditions of closing schools.
Transparent Communication: Regular updates, timelines, and open channels for communication.
Board Chair, Catherine Wilson shared, “We appreciate and support staff and families and know that learning the news of closure will be hard for many to receive. While we have a responsibility to make decisions that serve the broader division, we recognize that these school closures can present real challenges for families and staff, and we do not take that lightly. Our decision was made compassionately, rooted in strengthening high standards of learning for every student, now and into the future. The voices and perspectives shared throughout this process have been valuable. Our leadership team will act on the feedback we received as we plan for the transition. Together, we will build a strong foundation for the next generation.”
Superintendent Tracy Hensel expressed that “Our team intends to approach every aspect of the transition with thoughtfulness, care, and attention to detail, recognizing the importance of instruction, classroom supports, transportation, staffing, facilities, and communication. Throughout the transition, the division will focus on minimizing the impact on students and families, supporting consistent learning, offering social-emotional resources, promoting equitable access, and keeping communication open and transparent. Helping children and staff feel welcomed in their new spaces and school communities will remain a top priority.”
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Supporting Resources
- Special Board Meeting Presentation
- Survey Summary
- Survey Raw Data
- 2026-2027 Elementary Boundary Maps (With boundaries for Dr Ken Sauer Fine Arts School, Vincent Massey School, Ross Glen School and Crestwood STEM School)
- For more information, visit mhpsd.ca/news
Media Contact
Lee Krasilowez
Communications Manager | communications@sd76.ab.ca | 403.977.9086