Hundreds of people packed into a school gymnasium in the Spryfield-area of Halifax Thursday night, concerned they might be losing the school.
The Halifax Regional School Board has identified Central Spryfield Elementary as one of the schools on its list for possible closure.
Officials are thinking about consolidating Central Spryfield with Elizabeth Sutherland because of declining enrollment in both.
People in the area say the idea is a non-starter, and they made that clear to board officials who hosted the public meeting.
"It was very emotional hearing the stories of the hardship and how it will affect members of this community if this school closes," area resident Joanne Feniyanos told CTV News.
"There has been a school on this location since 1885. It's centrally located, close to all the resources that many members of this community need," she said.
"If you can call a meeting ‘beautiful,' it was absolutely beautiful the show of support and what this school means to the community."
Central Spryfield Elementary is one of five schools currently under review for possible closure: Gertrude Parker Elementary, Prince Arthur Junior High, Sackville Centennial Elementary and South Woodside Elementary are also under review.
A decision from the school board is expected by the end of next month.
