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Friday, May 3, 2013
Burned-out family needs more help Don Bodger
News Leader Pictorial
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Don Bodger
Tom Baxter was one of about 200 people attending the final open forum on the reorganization of School District 79, including the potential closure of schools.
Middle school love, pleas for local trustees and more funding
School closure forum: About 200 provide input as appointed trustee hosts last major forum on school district reorganization Don Bodger
News Leader Pictorial
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everal messages came through loud and clear Tuesday night at Cowichan Secondary School. People made their voices heard during the final public forum before School District 79’s official trustee Mike McKay announces the selected restructuring option May 15 and what schools will be closed as a result. Speakers at the forum — which attracted about 200 people — touched upon many topics. Maintaining some kind of middle school configuration; the need for a change in the funding formula with the provincial government for school districts; and concern an appointed trustee is making school
closure decisions emerged as key points. “I want to applaud our middle school teachers and administrators for the work that they’ve done, I think, moving forward with education progressively,’’ said Cathal Walsh. “I know there’s one proposal on the table to revert back to a K-7, 8-12 model. I strongly believe the middle school philosophy, the middle school options provide the opportunity for children that have those options to explore. They explore during courses. They bridge the high school. I think it should be built upon. “I think to step out of that and step back to the K-7, 8-12 model really doesn’t make a lot of sense educationally.’’ “In making transition from a threetier school system that we have now
Run Date: May 3, 2013 Duncan Newsleader (10.25" x 1.5") Full Colour EOR#5496
will be anything short of dangerous,’’ said Ian McLean, who has put four children through the Cowichan Valley school system. “I think we have a very successful system to this point that is not one we want to start making drastic changes to in a very short time, based on budgetary issues.’’ Tom Baxter of Shawnigan Lake spoke about the specifics that make the middle school concept the best option to him for the south zone. “The scale and the scope of facilities at George Bonner are the best in the zone,’’ he said. “To restructure schools solely on the basis of costs, it’s not in the best interests of students or the community.’’ Sally Hart also made strong statements about the need to keep middle schools in place.
“The activities, the emotion, the way the amazing staff deals with the student population of certain age groups is unique from area to area,’’ she said. “I think the middle school option gives more options for kids who aren’t academic,’’ said Julie Vliet. Many pegged a funding formula with the provincial government as unworkable, continually putting school districts into cutback mode. “You can’t have a funding formula that is based on a per head ratio of child,’’ said McLean. “You need to have a funding formula that recognizes the buildings that we have in our district. Because when a child leaves the district or leaves the school, the building doesn’t. It still requires the cost of operating that building. more page 5
eighbours and friends of a couple burned out of its home April 21 are appealing to the public for more donations. Karen and Nathan Taylor lost everything in the fire at 491 Bundock Ave., a home they were renting. The owners had insured the building, but the Taylors weren’t covered for contents. The Taylors, who have two young sons who weren’t home at the time of the fire, are staying with Nathan’s mom for the time being. “We could use some more donations,’’ said neighbour Maureen Donahue. “We’ll still collect for them at the same place.’’ Donations of clothing, household items and toys for the children can be made at the Donahue family business, Duncan Auto Glass, at Unit 3-2905 Allenby Road between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A few items trickled in last week, but not enough to sustain the Taylors. No toys were received. “They’ve gotten a few donations, but they’re still really struggling,’’ said family friend Linda Weber. People are kind, she added, but “they forget quickly.’’ “You’ve got to help people when you can,’’ reasoned Donahue.
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