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Crunch time for discussion of possible school closures in Parksville Qualicum Beach

School board trustees likely to vote on the future of facilities on Jan. 28

The conversations surrounding the possible closure, amalgamation or reconfiguration of local schools is coming to a head.

There are two more public facility review meetings within the next couple of weeks where information will be gathered to contribute to a draft report to be presented to the school board on Thursday, Jan. 23 by acting superintendent Rollie Koop.

Public meetings regarding district facilities have been going on for the past few months.

The final facility review report will be presented to the board on Jan. 28, at which time trustees will vote on a motion to act on the recommendations.

The review is being done to assist the local school board in dealing with a $3.4 million budget deficit over the next five years, a substantial underutilization of district schools, and a declining enrolment that isn't expected to reverse for at least 10 years.

If the school board votes to accept recommendations, a 90-day public consultation period will begin.

The next public meeting regarding facilities will be tonight, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. at Oceanside Middle School. This is part of the Toward a Future for Schools Conversation series.

The next one will be a public meeting at Springwood Middle School on Wednesday. Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. The Jan. 23 presentation of the draft report will take place at the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre in The Forum at 7 p.m. and the Jan. 28 final report will be presented at the same place during a regular school board meeting.

For more information visit:

www.sd69.bc.ca.