Bus routes
School District No. 46 (SD46) has started discussing possible bus route changes with the community; however, it’s not likely any changes will be implemented in the upcoming school year, according to secretary treasurer Nicholas Weswick.
“No decision has been made and there is currently no change planned for September,” Weswick said, noting one public discussion has been held so far in Pender Harbour.
“Certainly this discussion in Pender Harbour is a regional one. Throughout our entire system we hope to be as efficient as possible to direct as much money as we can into the classroom.”
School expansion money
SD46 is asking for nearly $5 million in capital funds from the Ministry of Education to expand West Sechelt Elementary and replace the Sunshine Coast Alternative School building in Sechelt.
The West Sechelt school has been at capacity for a couple of years. Last year SD46 changed the catchment area to help alleviate the problem in the short term. With enrolment numbers on the rise, however, the district is now seeking $1.9 million to increase the school’s capacity.
SD46 is also considering completely rebuilding the alternative school in Sechelt as the cost to refresh the current building is comparable to the cost to rebuild it.
SD46’s ask for the rebuild is $2.7 million.
School board chair Betty Baxter said the expansion at West Sechelt is the district’s number one priority, but she also suggested it would be a long shot to get funding for the effort from the Ministry of Education, as there are other schools nearby that have excess capacity at the moment.
Weswick agreed but said SD46 is still holding out hope the request for funds might be approved.
“The ministry does look at the overall enrolment and capacity in the district when making capital and funding decisions, however we’re hopeful that this project will be funded and we’ll continue to engage with the ministry to that extent,” Weswick said.
