There is some confusion about why the District Sustainability Committee came up with a single plan first and are only now in the process of holding consultations with the families of those children that will be affected. Would it not have made more sense for the school board to consult with the most important stakeholders before the District Sustainability Committee put forward a plan? In collecting suggestions, ideas and alternative sets of plans from a group of highly invested people, the school board could have approached this budget shortfall armed with more creative options of how to make budget cuts.
Considering the ethical underpinnings of the Board of Education Charter, it also strikes us as backwards to move directly to school closures and reorganization before examining cost savings that could be made within the existing structure. Once fundamental changes in school board operations are considered, only then should we consider impacting those who will suffer the most from such changes. "Structural right-sizing" should not be a secondary consideration contingent on savings made from the most damaging of all possible cuts.
How are we, as concerned parents/guardians, grandparents, and community members, to be convinced that any ideas we come up with will be seriously considered, when the District Sustainability Committee and school board appear to be so committed to a plan that is so interdependent on each step occurring for the next to work? For all the hard work we are putting in to come up with viable plans, there is, nevertheless, an underlying feeling that it is all for nought. A done deal is what we hear from many! Difficult not to believe considering the timeline with which you have to work and with which we have to provide feedback.
So, I, and many others, challenge you, the school board, to show us that you are willing and able to approach this in a democratic, inclusive, caring and fair manner. Convince us that what we have to say and suggest is important to the planning process. Make public the plans proposed by each school with which you consult. Explain how you will utilize the suggestions, plans and information provided.
If this plan goes ahead as is, the community can rest assured that in a few short years, more schools will be closed, and we will be left with super-sized French speaking only, Aboriginal, and English speaking elementary school factories, and no heartbeat in our valued community niches.
Jacqui Dockray
Prince George
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