Prince George could close 11 schools

Nearly one third of the schools in the Prince George area of B.C. could be shut down at the end of this school year, according to information released at an emergency school board meeting Tuesday night.

Anxious parents and school board employees packed the meeting to hear that 11 schools in Central Interior community were on the chopping block in order to make up an anticipated $7 million budget shortfall next year.

"The financial challenge...is significantly more than you have seen before," said superintendent Brian Pepper.

The news came as a shock to parents like Meg Meints.

"I'm mortified that the government is forcing the school board to make these hard terrible decisions," said Meints. "I can't believe it. I honestly cannot."

Teachers and trustees were equally disappointed with possible closures.

"Its hard to know what to think," said teacher Katherine Trepanier. "We don't want schools closing."

"It is something that has driven a knife into the heart of rural schools," said trustee Lois Boone.

Because of declining enrollment due to job losses in the area and increasing costs, the Prince George school district has already shut down 14 schools in recent years, leaving 48 schools open.

Trustees will make the final decision on how to deal with the budget shortfall by the end of March, but more budget cuts are expected in 2011 said officials.

On Tuesday, the Vancouver School District sent out letters to 800 teachers warning themthat aforecast $35 million budget deficit could lead to layoffs before the next school year.