Woodstock school's name is 'a geographical lie,' ex-teachers say
Education officials refuse to disclose information about why 'Townsview' was picked for the new school
Two former teachers in Woodstock are upset over the Department of Education’s decision to call a new school, “Townsview,” a name they say is misleading.
Richard Blaquiere and Jim Lawrance say the name “Townsview” is just wrong and they have been trying to get provincial officials to reconsider the name.
“There is no view of the town.”
Blaquiere filed information requests with the provincial government to find out what other names were submitted for the new school.
His requests were refused by the Department of Education.
He was told that, according to a department policy, a four-person naming committee was appointed, it took submissions, cut the list down to three names and then the minister of education decided the name.
The other suggested names and the rationale for the decision all remain a secret.
The Department of Education said one of the reasons the school was named Townsview is that it “somewhat” looks over the town.
The former minister of education, who chose the name for the school, would not be interviewed about how the name was selected.
Education Minister Serge Rousselle said changing the school's name is not being considered.
Blaquiere said the decision to block the release of information about how the name was chosen is “the most recent ridiculous thing in a series of ridiculous, stupid decisions and responses since the middle of August.”
He said he invited senior education officials to visit the new school and allow the civil servants to see why the name is misleading.
“You would think just by pointing out that that there's no view of the town, some rational person would say, ‘Oh my God, why are we doing this? You know, we're going to look like fools,’” Blaquiere said.
“Even though the deputy minister said, 'that it offers somewhat of a view,' I invited him to come to Woodstock and show me the ‘somewhat of a view,’ so that we could photograph it and I could humble myself in public for being such a pain in the butt. But they have not responded to my invitation."
Name draws mixed opinions
The name of the school is receiving mixed opinions from people in the area.
“It's not the name, it's the people that are in the building and what's not to like about a brand new school,” she said.
Bill Cleghorn, a local construction worker, said the name didn’t quite fit.
“It's not the greatest name in the world, but it's all right. Can you see the town from here? No, no, no. Not at all. Not at all. Nope,” he said.
The name of the building was announced on Aug. 1 by then premier David Alward.
The K-8 school will hold up to 650 students.