The board of education has presented four proposals of how to best deal with a budget shortfall. All four proposals suggest closing Qualicum Beach Elementary School. We don’t believe the implications to our fragile community have been properly assessed.
When moving our family to Qualicum Beach from Vancouver about four years ago, one of the features that attracted us, and was the deciding factor, was the fact that there is an elementary school within walking distance of the town centre.
Imagining my community without QBES is upsetting because we probably would not have moved here knowing that my daughter’s school would shut down. Since learning of the proposed closure I’ve experienced a depression that has me questioning if Qualicum is the place I want to continue living.
Without QBES Qualicum Beach becomes a less desirable place for young families to move to, thus affecting its economy and vitality negatively. Please do not close QBES.
Paul Pratte
Qualicum Beach