Time is running out for West Vernon Elementary. The Vernon School District has launched a process that could see the school close its doors June 30 as a cost-saving measure. “We have to find a way to keep it open,” said Ann Dehaven as she dropped her grandsons off for classes. “It’s a good school. All of my grandkids have been here since kindergarten.” Dehaven believes West Vernon, with its 220 students, is convenient for many parents who don’t have vehicles. “It’s within walking distance. Going to other schools will be quite a problem,” she said.Ron Thomson, who has three children in the school, has mixed feelings about the issue. “I hate to see the school close but there’s lots of schools around. It’s a great school with fantastic staff,” he said. For Grade 6 student Amanda Roberts, West Vernon is the only school she’s known since kindergarten. “I want to spend Grade 7 here. The teachers are great and all of the kids are friendly,” she said. Some of the students come from financially disadvantaged homes, and special activities — including a lunch program — have developed around those realities. “It’s a school where we can make a difference,” said Ed Folk, a Grade 6/7 teacher who has been at West Vernon for 23 years. “It’s really a community school. We have a lot of needy kids so this is a real focal point for them.”
That is also the view of librarian Sheila Monroe. “It has a heart and that will be dissipated if it closes,” she said. West Vernon was one of three schools identified last year for potential closure because of enrolment that has dropped district-wide from 10,370 in 1996 to 8,816 in 2006. The other two schools considered were Alexis Park and Harwood. “If we close one school, we save $500,000,” said Bill Turanski, district chairman, adding that $1.2 million in new district initiatives are stalled because of a lack of money. “Do we want to fund a school we really don’t need or give that $500,000 to students who need it for resources?”
West Vernon rose to the top of the list because of its enrolment numbers, the age and condition of the building and difficulty accessing the 38th Street site. “West Vernon is not a surprise because it was identified last year as a school that may close. Parents have probably been waiting for the other shoe to drop,” said Turanski. A specific process must be followed before the district actually states the school is closing. That will include a public meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the school. “If someone can come up with a viable option to keep it open, we have to consider it. But that would be the only way (of it remaining open),” said Turanski.
If West Vernon closes, students will be sent to Alexis Park, Ellison, Mission Hill and Okanagan Landing schools. Linda Graves, West Vernon principal, admits the likely closure is difficult for students, parents and staff. “West Vernon parents and staff are dedicated to our kids and whatever decision is made, we will put the needs of our kids first. The school board hasn’t wavered from that,” she said. Barry Dorval, Vernon Teachers Association president, has some sympathy for district trustees. “The board is in a tough place,” he said of decreased enrolment and limited funding.
Dorval isn’t optimistic options will be found to keep West Vernon open. “Do I see a white knight coming in? No, I don’t. I’m very worried,” he said. The district closed Whitevale Elementary, near Lumby last year. Beyond West Vernon, Turanski isn’t expecting any other closures, but he's not making any guarantees. “Who can predict the future? For the next several years, enrolment will continue to decline,” he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment