Parents voice closure concerns at last Rainbow board meeting
Board expected to make final decision on school closures in February
At the last public meeting before the Rainbow District School Board makes its decision on the fate of a handful of schools, concerned parents urged the board for teamwork and to involve them in the decision-making process.
Since late August, the English public school board has been holding accommodation reviews — gauging which schools may be on the chopping block — in an attempt to shave $3.6 million from its budget.
The future of specialized programs — like French immersion — at some schools is also uncertain.
The boards may have overlooked some willing helpers when they started the process, said Lively's Jennifer Michaud.
"Let us help you solve the problems," Michaud said, "So instead of just telling us through media that there will be a modified accommodation review the day before it begins, tell us in February if it looks like we're going to be making tough decisions and engage us. I think we can make stronger decisions together."
Parents and all the staff at Rainbow schools want the same thing— a strong education for the students, Michaud said.
Jesse Brady and Taryn White, whose kids attend the aging Lansdowne Public, think the age of the school lends to its character and shouldn't be a reason for its closure.
"I think it's a shame to still look at an old building and say it's not efficient or it doesn't meet things without trying to maximize it and revitalize the school," Brady said.
"My daughter goes there. I asked her 'is this a school I should be fighting for, does this matter to you?' And she said 'yes.' I asked her why? She said 'because it has history.'