To the Editor,
Re: Development could boost enrolment, Nov. 10.
I was one of the many concerned citizens who attended the School District 68 meeting this month.
I have no children in the Rutherford Elementary school, but I am very familiar with it and its excellent reputation. I was therefore puzzled about the proposed closure of the school.
I live in the community and notice that the last three housing sales in my small street has seen people of my generation (seniors or soon to be) move out and people with young families move in. Two realtors from different companies warned of the present and planned development in the Frank Ney catchment area and the future problems if they indeed take in the Rutherford students.
The trustees seem to be nice enough people doing their best with the budget they are given, but I became alarmed at the disconnect between the trustees and the excellent information provided by the presenters. As a former planner, I believe the problem lies in the formula used to guide the trustees.
I hope more thought is given to trustee Jamie Brennan’s offer of a three-year moratorium on school closures. I think time is needed to reform and correct the present system and hopefully the B.C. Government will give the trustees a proper budget to work with.
Alfred McGuireNanaimo