To the editor,
Re: Re-opening school isn’t up to standard, Letters, May 29.
There is upset about the re-alignment of catchment areas for the north-end elementary schools now that it has been decided that Rutherford will re-open in 2025. There are also legitimate questions as to why it was closed in the first place causing obvious disruption.
I was one of the trustees for SD68 who voted for its closure in 2018. For me, it was simply the most practical decision that was available at the time. Rutherford was opened in 1965 and was the only elementary in that area for an extended period. McGirr, Randerson Ridge and Frank Ney were eventually built to accommodate the growing numbers in the north end. Rutherford had been added to numerous times and was in need of considerable further work. The board had a choice at that time to put money into an aged Rutherford or a new build for the addition at Frank Ney which at that time only accommodated 200 children. Despite the historical and emotional significance of Rutherford along with its wonderful location, the decision was made that, with ministry support, the district would be further ahead to get the addition built at Frank Ney. Even then it was realized that further space could be required as the community grew.
Rutherford will get some upgrades before re-opening. My hope was that a new school would be built on that site instead.
Jeff Solomon, Nanaimo
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