Editor:
As hopefully everyone knows, there have been discussions and debates on whether to close Sechelt, Davis Bay or Kinnikinnick elementary schools. It has been a hard process for everyone for quite some time. Finally a decision was made.
Thankfully the school board came to the decision it did. We think that keeping all schools open was the best decision that could have been made. The decision had to have been tough, but this way, it shows there was forethought involved. To move the Sechelt students to Kinnikinnick while the Sechelt school is being upgraded, works. This allows for growth to happen. West Sechelt is at capacity and in just a few short years those extra students who come into the West Sechelt boundary can be placed at Sechelt when the upgrades are done and the Sechelt students move back to Sechelt elementary.
(At least that was our take on the final meeting.) Roberts Creek is also at capacity. The overrun can be placed in Davis Bay.
There will be growth. With the government wanting all day kindergarten and then introducing four year olds in two to three years, closing the schools would have been hasty. No one wants children in portables when there are perfectly good schools already here.
The Sechelt students were in no way sacrificial lambs. They were the smallest population to move. They also get to return to a safer school. We feel that the school board did an admirable job given the hard task they faced. We commend all the parents from all the schools who participated in the meetings. It shows that we really do have a special place here on the Coast with lots of great people willing to get involved.
Guy and Michelle Thompson
Sechelt
