The trustees of School District 69 met with Qualicum Beach town council Monday to discuss the district's ongoing facilities review, which may result in school closures, including Qualicum Beach Elementary School.
Council acknowledged the school board's hard work in examining solutions to the district's growing annual deficit, and recognized the difficult decision-making process at hand for trustees who are undertaking a facilities review and public consultation which may result in school closures, according to a news release from the town.
"School sites are important community assets and council is pleased to be working with school trustees in discussing our shared interests," said Mayor Teunis Westbroek. "The town has invested in its youth and family retention and attraction strategy, and as part of ensuring its success, council is encouraged by the district's commitment to early learning and retaining grades K-12 in Qualicum Beach."
School Board Chair Lynette Kershaw added: "While no decision has been reached, school trustees remain dedicated towards looking at the best outcomes for our community and our schools. Continuing to meet with town council, and other stakeholder groups, is an important part of that process."
The town said Monday’s discussion included considering scenarios that could enable access to alternative streams of revenue; as well as a decision-making framework to analyze options and support the process.
The district’s 90-day consultation period ends April 29 with a meeting on school facilities. The next public meetings are scheduled for Oceanside Middle School (7 p.m. Thurs., April 10) and Springwood Middle School (7 p.m. Wed., April 16). Check www.sd69.bc.ca for more on the ‘facilities review’ or e-mail Faciltities2014@sd69.bc.ca for more information or to submit feedback.
— NEWS Staff/Submitted by the Town of Qualicum Beach