The Haida Gwaii School Board has postponed its decision on the future of Port Clements Elementary, granting a 12-month delay to explore solutions for maintaining the school’s K-7 structure. The March 4 decision gives the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) time to develop a school learning plan and secure the school’s long-term viability.
Importance of Port Clements Elementary in the Community
The meeting, attended by a packed audience of parents and community members, underscored strong opposition to reducing the school to a K-3 or Grade 4 model. Vice Chair Roeland Denooij expressed concerns about the impact on students transitioning to high school in the south, making students transition schools three times. At the same time, Trustee Wilson Brown opposed increased bussing for young children. Trustee Maranda Post acknowledged the PAC’s dedication, and Superintendent Lisa Bernoties reiterated the district’s focus on the “Three E’s”—Education, Economics, and Equity. Before the motion to delay the decision, Board Chair Dana Moraes told the room that she would like to see some creative ideas to address the transportation situation for Haida Gwaii and the school board.
Discontent over the proposed changes was evident at a Feb. 19 Port Clements village council meeting, where residents voiced frustration with the district’s handling of the issue. A committee-of-the-whole meeting followed, allowing the community to present alternatives.
The PAC mobilized significant support ahead of the March 4 vote, launching a petition that garnered dozens of signatures and securing endorsements from the Council of the Haida Nation and other Haida Gwaii municipalities and was forwarded to local MLA Laanas Tamara Davidson, the Ministry of Education, and the Protocol Table. This show of regional backing made a strong impression on trustees, reinforcing the PAC’s case for maintaining a K-7 structure. Some board members acknowledged the level of community engagement and advocacy as a factor in their decision to grant a 12-month deferral. Denooij stated that if there is not a clear plan for better enrollment, the board would ultimately have to make a decision. At that time, the PAC was not given a clear goal for the enrollment numbers needed to avoid grade reconfigurment.
On Feb. 28, the Village of Port Clements Council sent a letter urging the school board to keep the school as a K-7 institution for at least two more years. Mayor Scott Cabianca and the council called for cooperation between the district, parents, and local government to address budget challenges while minimizing disruption for students.
The Village of Masset also sent a letter supporting the PAC, reinforcing the regional importance of maintaining the school’s current structure.
The 2018 cancellation of the Tlell-to-Port Clements bus route remains a key issue, with some arguing that it has contributed to declining enrollment. Port Clements Village Councillor Brigid Cumming estimated the cost of reinstating the route at $50,000 annually, though the school district cites staffing shortages as a significant obstacle.
Financial concerns have also surfaced, with residents questioning administrative expenses, staffing levels, and operational costs that exceed the provincial average. The PAC and village council are advocating for a full financial review of School District 50’s budget.
With limited options presented by the district, some parents are considering an independent school model, drawing inspiration from the Living and Learning School in Daajing Giids.
With a 12-month deferral in place, the PAC and local supporters must now focus on implementing their proposed school learning plant to encourage enrollment and collaborating with district officials to explore sustainable solutions. The Port Clements Village Council has pledged to continue advocating for the school’s future and to monitor the progress of discussions with the board.
The next year will be critical in determining whether Port Clements Elementary can maintain its K-7 structure or face reconfiguration in the future.