Closure sports concern

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Jan 21 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

There’s growing concern that the closure of West Vernon Elementary could sideline attempts to create a sustainable community. Some City of Vernon officials believe the likely closure of the school at the end of June goes against attempts to rejuvenate the central core through high-density development and affordable housing. “Schools are a focal point for neighbourhoods and a key to sustainability in a community is neighbourhoods,” said Coun. Buffy Baumbrough.Baumbrough understands that the Vernon School District has financial pressures to address, but points out that shutting down a school has social and environmental impacts.

In terms of the environment, she expects there will be more busing and burning of fuel and pressure to maintain roads whereas many of West Vernon’s students currently walk to school.Baumbrough would like to see some consultation between the school district and the city.“In a sense, it (closure) is a land use decision and that’s our job as local government in terms of long-term growth and planning,” she said. Coun. Juliette Cunningham, who is a former school board trustee, agrees that potential closure doesn’t fit with the planning process the city is pursuing. “We have to look at families and neighbourhoods,” she said. “When public education comes down to dollars and cents, it’s a concern. It’s important for students to go to neighbourhood schools.”

Cunningham believes schools such as West Vernon give students a sense of belonging. “It’s a huge loss for kids, some of whom are from disadvantaged families,” she said. Tom Christensen, Okanagan Vernon MLA, says the school district has significant challenges because of dropping enrolment. “The strength of a school is the people in it and not the physical building. That will be maintained at another school,” he said. Closing West Vernon could save the district $500,000 a year. “Do you spend it on space or programs?” said Christensen. Districts derive their money from the Ministry of Education, and Christensen admits funding could always be increased to prevent closures. “But the money has to come from somewhere. There are areas the government has responsibility for with growing demand such as health care,” he said. The potential closure of West Vernon Elementary will be the focus of a public meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the school.