The Grande Yellowhead Public School Division’s (GYPSD) Board of Trustees has voted to keep Fulham Community School open at least for the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.
Board Chair Melodie Bobilek notes, a follow-up review will be conducted in the new year to ensure operations remain viable.
The board voted on the matter during its April 15 meeting to address concerns about enrolment at the school. Currently, enrolment is expected to fall below the provincial threshold of 35 full-time equivalent (FTE) students, which impacts funding.
That funding, however, is determined by the official student count as of Sept. 29. If the student count is below 35 FTE at that time, the school would see a significant reduction to its Rural Small Schools Grant, impacting GYPSD’s ability to sustain it while acting in the best interests of students across the division.
As such, GYPSD officials say, “The school’s ability to remain operationally viable is directly tied to the number of students walking through the doors this autumn.”
The school is exploring developing an agriculture-focused curriculum in an effort to increase enrolment. Bobilek has suggested it present a formal proposal on this development to the board before the end of this year.
The school also held an open house to showcase the benefits of rural education in March.
“The board recognizes the passion shown by the Fulham community and encourages local families to actively support enrollment efforts to ensure the school meets the necessary provincial requirements for long-term sustainability,” GYPSD officials comment.
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