COTE ST. LUC - The English Montreal School Board commissioners were in Cote St. Luc Wednesday night asking parents if there's enough support to open a new high school next year.
The public school would be housed in the former Wagar building at 5785 Parkhaven Ave.
The new approach to the dwindling numbers crisis in the Anglophone sector is designed for parents tired of busing their children to schools all over town.
"To have the opportunity to stay in Cote St. Luc would be beneficial," said parent Tammy McEwen.
The board's long-range planning committee will analyze the results of the meeting and an online survey to soon be made available on their website, and make a recommendation for a new school in 2012 or perhaps sooner if parents' interest is strong enough.
Cote St. Luc Mayor Anthony Housefather said he thinks the time is right for a new school on the Wagar grounds.
"I want my residents today and in the future to have that option. A community is not viable without a public school," said Housefather.
The EMSB said it is seeking the help of parents willing to assist in developing a program they would choose over a private school.
"I'd like to reverse the trend (of dropping enrolment) and maybe open up some new locations," said EMSB commissioner Syd Wise.
