TIMBER KINGS IN B’VILLE PAGE A3
ST. ANN’S CELEBRATES PAGE A9
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
VOL. 102 NO. 40
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CNC celebrates The public was invited to share in the celebration of 10 years in the current facility. They experienced Science World, various labs with hands on activities, songs by two local choirs and many other fun activities. For more pictures see Friday’s Observer. Autumn MacDonald photo
Three Quesnel schools tentatively slated for closure June 30 RYAN GRAHAM Observer Reporter
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WINTER CA L RN E N IV A ES
February 6, 2016 12 ~ 5:30 pm West Fraser Timber Park
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During last week’s packed School District 28 meeting, trustees unanimously voted to consider the closure of Ecole Baker, Parkland and Kersley schools. With the decision being made, there will now be a 60-day consultation process to decide if they will close the schools with the final decision slated for March 30. During the meeting, held at Chuck Mobley Theatre, the board laid out the information regarding the closures of the schools – the two biggest issues being declining enrolment and lack of funding from the Ministry of Education.
“The issues of declining enrolment and funding are not issues that are new to the system, but they make cause for growing concern,” SD28 secretarytreasurer, Bettina Ketcham said. “Funding is directly tied to student enrolment. The suggestions that we’ve received, for example moving students to more full schools to less full schools and between boundary lines are not going to provide any financial relief whatsoever. “If we leave things the way they are we’re going to be forced to make cuts directly to classrooms. “Historically we’ve been able to make cuts in our budget by reducing our teaching positions or our educational assistants.”
This is a NO DOG EVENT
Ketcham also highlighted they are not allowed to run a deficit and if they did they would not be provided with any funding, which would then come out of the following years’ budget. She also said BC Hydro and MSP increases are another concern because they come out of the operational budget and are not funded by the ministry. During the meeting the board heard from concerned residents over the closures. Retired teacher, Roxiane Preston who was in support of Kersley said smaller schools allow there to be a better teacher student relationship. “I know in a smaller school the teachers get to
know the students a whole lot better,” Preston said. “I’ve decided that I would ask to speak because I’m really worried about all the little schools getting closed. The idea is that we’re saving money. “How can you save money when you have to take all these students from a smaller school community and put them into a larger school community? “Then you have to have portables and portables cost money, so why not leave them in the smaller school?” According to the report from the Cornerstone Planning Group, which recommended the board go through with this process, the excess capacity for Parkland is 65 per cent, Kersley 39 per
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cent and Ecole Baker 27 per cent. The report also said the cost per student at Kersley is $10,452, while Ecole Baker was $7,376 and Parkland was $9, 410. Board chairperson, Tony Goulet said the decision to close schools is a difficult one. “Over the last several years, as you can see, boards of educations have had to make difficult decisions,” Goulet said. “Cost has risen, enrolment has declined and funding has decreased and it’s not just us,” he said. “All boards of educations across the province are dealing with these implications when it comes to school closures. “Looking ahead many
tough decisions will have to be made by the board and for me I understand that change can be difficult. “Emotions tend to take hold of our thoughts and our thought process, but we have to remain with a clear mind. “We have to think about what makes the best educational sound decision for our students, using the resources that we have.” Quesnel is not new to school closures as Narcosil was closed in 2014, Richbar in 2002, Maple Drive Junior Secondary in 2003 and West Fraser Elementary in 2004 due to a fire. If the closures are agreed to, they would take effect June 30, 2016.