Back to school
Colchester Christian Academy waiting for word on East Court Road School
Colchester Christian Academy has its sights set on acquiring the former East Court Road Elementary school.
BIBLE HILL
For the first time in many years, there were no excited children flowing through the doors of East Court Road Elementary at the beginning of the school year. but if things go according to plan students may soon be filling the rooms again.
Colchester Christian Academy (CCA) made a presentation to Colchester county council, outlining why it would be an ideal site for the independent school.
“We’re definitely very excited about how things are progressing,” said Johanna Matthews, a CCA board member who has children attending the school. “The councillors and mayor were very positive. We had our background work done so we know what’s involved.”
With the opening of the new Bible Hill Consolidated School, the facility on East Court Road is no longer needed by the Chignecto Central Regional School Board (CCRSB).
When the board deems it surplus it will be offered to the county, which can then allow CCA to take it over.
CCA currently has about 85 students, from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12, and needs more space.
During the presentation to the county they mentioned benefits to the community would include the preservation of a landmark
and the neighbourhood environment, and ensuring the building doesn’t deteriorate and become a target for vandalism. It would
also provide an economic benefit, with more than 50 families coming to the area.
CCA has no debt, and board
members have researched the operating costs of the building and are confident they can afford the expenses involved.
If they are offered the property they would only need to have a physical inspection done and have insurability confirmed.
“We can’t help but be excited,” said Matthews.
“I keep driving by and looking at it. We would love to be able to move in before Christmas.”