School closures have become something we’re used to hearing about. The Public School Board will be closing Ken Jenkins Community School in Normanview because the number of students could not justify keeping it open. The Ken Jenkins students will go to either Ruth M. Buck or Elsie Mironuck Schools in the fall.
I have never heard of a school closure that has not upset someone. I remember the pain in my hometown of Ceylon when the school closed. The community had worked very hard to build a school to replace an outdated building. I was a member of the first class to graduate in the new school in 1982. That school has been closed for a long time. It sits in the community as a sad reminder of the dreams of many people.
The students from Ceylon went to schools in other communities like Pangman, Radville and Bengough. I know all of those communities have their own strengths but I’m sure the Ceylon students wish they could have went to school in their hometown.
I understand that things are always changing, but it’s not always easy to except change. I wish the families, teachers and students of Ken Jenkins Community School the best in their new schools.
