Signs posted on trees across from Webster Niblock School in Crescent Height in December. Jesse Gill/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

EDUCATION

Medicine Hat Public School Division to make decision on elementary school closures

Jan 6, 2026 | 8:38 AM

The Medicine Hat Public School Division is holding a special meeting on Tuesday afternoon to determine the fate of a pair of elementary schools in Medicine Hat.

Board Chair Catherine Wilson said in November that the declining enrolment at both Webster Niblock School and Southview Community School, combined with underused buildings, prompted the review.

“I really want to be clear that we’re right now doing a consultation process because we had a value scoping done, which included Alberta Education, architects, and our executive team, the board of trustees, where we went through to look at the capacity of all of our schools,” Wilson had said at the time.

“When you think that we have 17 schools in a city, which is now widespread, and we have schools in every area, and sometimes two or three schools in that area with 200 children or less. We’re just not getting the proper utilization out of them,” she had added.

“We are looking at doing this because we have the children at the front of our minds for this.”

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The schools would be set to close before the 2026-2027 school year.

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READ: Medicine Hat Public School Division to hold public consultation on two potential school closures (Nov. 7, 2025)

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Community Engagement sessions were held for both schools in early December.

About 50 people attended the first session at the Medicine Hat Public School Division office for Southview Community School on Dec. 3, 2025.

A parent who attended the meeting, Ashleigh Dixon, said the meeting was a good opportunity to put questions on the table and get responses.

“I definitely got more answers to a lot of questions I had,” Dixon said.

“When you first hear about something like this, you have so many things running through your mind.”

Dixon said she didn’t know what to expect, but the event was a positive experience.

“I was nervous coming in, but the atmosphere was calm and reassuring. This format felt casual and natural,” Dixon said.

Concerns were brought up by Dixon about the possible closure, as she worries that the outcome won’t be what the parents hope for.

“I’m hoping that with all the input provided tonight, trustees can find a common ground that’s in the best interest of our children,” Dixon said.

“I’m hoping that if closure happens, the schools will provide the supports needed,” she added.

“Not just for my children, but for all families.”

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READ: Medicine Hat Public School Division hears voices of families affected by possible school closures (Dec. 4, 2025)

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A larger crowd of about 100 people attended the second meeting at the Medicine Hat High School Cafeteria on Dec. 4, 2025, for Webster Niblock School.

During this meeting, Ashley Ulrichsen, a parent, felt that the meeting didn’t give any answers as to what parents might have been expecting.

“Which is something I think a lot of us were hoping to have tonight,” Ulrichsen said in December.

Ulrichsen, had said however, that it was nice that parents got to share opinions and feelings.

“I think it is a positive light that they’re giving parents the chance to put in their voice,” Ulrichsen said.

Board Chair Catherine Wilson acknowledged the anxiety surrounding school closures and the concerns parents had during both meetings.

“I think some things are still sort of uncertain for them,” Wilson said.

“A lot of the theme is the children, and how this will be for transitioning children if we amalgamate schools,” she added.

“We will do whatever we can to make sure they [the children] do come first.”

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READ: Medicine Hat Public School Division draws around 100 parents to its second consultation meeting (Dec. 4, 2025)

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If the closures do take place, students from Webster Niblock School would transition to nearby Vincent Massey School or Dr. Ken Sauer Fine Arts School in the fall.

Southview Community School students would shift to Ross Glen School or Crestwood STEM School.

The meeting is set to begin at the School Board office on Tuesday. Jan. 6, 2026, at 2 p.m.

– With files from Jett Schwaier