News Release | MHPSD Launches Consultation on Proposed School Closures
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Medicine Hat, AB – November 17, 2025 – The Medicine Hat Public School Division (MHPSD) invites stakeholders to attend upcoming public consultation meetings regarding the proposed closure of Webster Niblock and Southview schools.
Public Consultation Meetings
- Southview Community School – December 3, 2025 | 6:30 – 8 PM at Medicine Hat Public School Division Central Office – Grant Henderson Learning Centre (601, 1st Ave SW)
Register - Webster Niblock School – December 4, 2025 | 6:30 – 8 PM
NEW LOCATION! Medicine Hat High School Cafeteria, (200-7th Street SW)
Register
Public consultation meetings will provide information on the rationale for the proposal and allow stakeholders to provide input.
| TRANSPORTATION | If you are a parent or guardian who needs help getting transportation to the consultation meeting please contact the school principal. |
| CHILDCARE | MHPSD Educational Assistants will be onsite to provide childcare. We ask that any family who needs childcare please complete the Registration form by Dec 1, 2025. |
MHPSD is committed to hearing from the community and gathering feedback before any decisions are made. Online survey and fact sheets available at mhpsd.ca. Paper surveys and fact sheets are available at the school (translation is also available).
Next Steps & Consultation Timeline
- Analysis and evaluation: Oct 2024 - November 2025
- Staff Engagement: November 10–14
- Stakeholder Surveys: November 17–December 5
- Community Engagement Meetings: December 3 (Southview Community school), December 4 (Webster Niblock School)
- Analysis of feedback and decision: Dec 5 - Jan 6 the Board will review feedback to make an informed decision. After Jan 6, the decision will be publicly communicated.
- If the decision is made to close, then students would finish the 2025-2026 school year at their current school and move to their new school in September 2026. Transition planning would start on January 12 and includes thoughtful consideration and consultation to understand the student experience, staffing, community engagement, operational logistics, equity and accessibility.
Media Contact
Lee Krasilowez
Communications Manager, Medicine Hat Public School Division
lee.krasilowez@sd76.ab.ca 403.977.9086
Medicine Hat Public School Division Launches Consultation on Proposed School Closures
Medicine Hat, Alberta: Medicine Hat Public School Division (MHPSD) Board of Trustees initiated a structured public consultation process to explore the potential closure of Webster Niblock School and Southview Community School. This proposal is part of a broader effort to optimize resources and enhance programming across the division.
“We understand that the possibility of change can feel overwhelming,” said Superintendent, Tracy Hensel. “Our goal is to provide every student with access to high-quality instructional programming and learning environments. By consolidating resources, we would be in a better position to support our staff and students in the classroom.”
The consultation process follows an in-depth value scoping exercise conducted in January 2025, involving MHPSD leadership, Alberta Education managers, and architects. This analysis focused on three areas of the city, Southeast (elementary schools), North (elementary schools), and the hill (elementary, middle and high schools), and highlighted the challenges posed by maintaining four small schools with fewer than 200 students.
“Small schools present unique challenges,” said Catherine Wilson, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “From staffing limitations to infrastructure costs, we must consider how best to use our resources to benefit all students. This consultation is about listening to our community and making informed decisions together.”
The proposed changes could see students from Webster Niblock reassigned to Vincent Massey School and/or Dr. Ken Sauer Fine Arts School, while Southview students could transition to Crestwood STEM School and/or Ross Glen School. MHPSD is committed to supporting families through this transition, ensuring continuity in programming, transportation, and peer connections.
The format of the public consultation meetings will be in person, facilitated feedback sessions:
- Southview Community
Dec 3 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Medicine Hat Public School Division Central Office, at 601 1st Ave SW, Medicine Hat.
Register - Webster Niblock School
December 4, 2025 | 6:30 – 8 PM
NEW LOCATION! Medicine Hat High School Cafeteria, (200-7th Street SW)
Register.
Feedback can also be submitted through the Proposed School Closures – Stakeholder Survey that is posted on the MHPSD and school websites. A transition plan will be shared if closures proceed, with support beginning January 12, 2026.
Once the consultation phases have concluded, the Board will take a month to thoughtfully consider and will come to a decision early in 2026.
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Links to important Resources:
- Planning Ahead Together | MHPSDs Engagement Strategy
- Proposed School Closures FACT Sheet
- Public Consultation Invitation Letter to Southview Community School Families
- Public Consultation Invitation Letter to Webster Niblock School Families (Note: location has changed to MHHS - Hub)
- Policy 724: School and Program Closure and Relocation
Contact
Lee Krasilowez, Communications Manager
Medicine Hat Public School Division
communications@sd76.ab.ca
403.977.9086