Rural communities push back as New Brunswick considers shutting small schools |
The New Brunswick government is considering closing schools with fewer than 100 students as part of upcoming budget cost-cutting measures, a move that could affect 33 schools across the province, 23 anglophone and 10 francophone. The proposal surfaced during pre-budget consultations under a document titled “Difficult Decisions.” Schools in several districts, particularly rural areas, fall below the 100-student threshold, raising concerns among educators, parents and local officials. Anglophone East Superintendent Randy MacLean warned that closing small schools could have long-term social and economic consequences, arguing education is foundational to community well-being. Parents, including Holly Sleeper from Havelock, where the local K-5 school has about 60 students, say small schools are central to rural communities and worry that consolidation would mean longer bus rides, overcrowded classrooms, and added infrastructure costs elsewhere. The Department of Education says no final decisions have been made, and the government has pledged to follow existing policy once the 2026–27 budget is tabled on March 17.
