Citizens of Hantsport stand by their school

It was more than just the first day back to school in Hantsport Sept. 3. While children there prepared to return to the school for another year, the community at large was busy securing the facility’s future.

As part of the town’s independent school review, citizens were asked to give a show of support for the school that day; and they did, in force. In total, more than 20 percent of the population turned out for three focus groups; and the resounding message was clear, without a school there would be no town.

“Tear away the school and you can kiss this town goodbye,” said Don Hussey. All four of his children attended the Hantsport School after moving to the area from the United States in the 1980s. As a former councillor, he was instrumental in closing the town’s high school, but with the understanding the Primary to Grade 9 school would remain intact. “They told us then that they would never close this school. I want to hold them to that.”

Although there was no mention of a possible school closure in the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board’s recent facilities review of the Hantsport School, the town isn’t prepared to take any chances and it appears residents aren’t either.

“One hundred percent of the people want the school to stay open,” said consultant Jemma Lambert. “That is the sentiment I've heard echoed throughout the day. The community is behind this big-time.”

The town engaged Lambert to facilitate the public meetings and compile a report for the school board.

Just over 30 concerned parents attended the evening session and agreed that the proximity of the school is what draws families to the area. They said a school closure would be paramount to ‘death-blow’ to the town, resulting in a population decline and lower property values.

Would affect town

“I can't imagine what would happen to a town like this if there were no school,” said Chris Guptell. “There would be no chance of attracting young families to the area.”

Peter and Jan Gnemmi had moved their six children to Hantsport from California and said the school was a magnet for young families. “This town would be a retirement community without the school instead of a viable community for all age groups,” he said.

Gina Seymour and her husband also moved to the area so that their four children could attend school there. Although she still commutes to the city for work each day Seymour says at least she knows her kids are safe. “There is just such a sense of community here- children can walk to school and are safe to do so.

Parents agreed the “walkability” factor was paramount, pairing it with ‘safety’ and ‘security.’

One parent who also teaches at the school noted he’s seen families move to the area solely because their children could easily access athletic programs. “They know they don't have to drive their children for miles to attend a practice, that's a big factor for a lot of families.”

He noted that the school was recently recognized for having the highest percentage of female athletes. “That’s a positive reflection on our community.”

He proposed rather than send Hantsport students elsewhere it would make more sense to adjust school boundaries and draw on populations from other areas. “There are kids who live right around the corner being sent to other schools that are already at capacity.”

The focus group also emphasized the positives of a small school atmosphere, saying that children who attend the Hantsport School leave with a strong sense of identity.

As well, it was noted that a disproportionate number went on to pursue post-secondary education.

A community centre

Students aside, the school is also the largest single gathering place in the area and home to the town’s only gymnasium and library. “Everyone here uses the school,” said Joanne Kelly. “The school is used more than the community center; it is the community centre.”

In fact, an equal number of seniors attended a session earlier in the day as well as 15 members of the business community that morning.

“Your community has demonstrated today that you care about this school,” Lambert told parents. “That is the most important part of this process. It's your school, you are the taxpayers, you are the major stakeholders.”

School Board representative Paula Lunn made a brief appearance that evening. She said the facilities review left no doubt the school is in need of major repairs. “We have to look at what we can do with the building and where it will be 10 years from now.”

On the other hand, Lunn expressed strong feelings toward small school closures. “This school was a community school before there were community schools,” she said. “Hantsport is a viable school.”

School principal Sean Bennett and vice principal Nova Dawn Oulton turned up to show their support, but left to allow people to speak freely. “We will exit so you can say what’s on your mind,” Bennett said.

“I have very strong personal feelings about the school; I am proud of our school and the community, but right now I need to step back,” he added. “This is a very passionate, emotional issue for everyone.”

The final report will be presented to the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board by its Oct. 31 session in Windsor.