Petition

I have had to publish the petition without the attached form for signatures.
I don't know how to make the table work in the blog format, so my apologises for that. The table, just so you know, was set out with 4 columns and many rows. The column headings were "Name Printed", "Address", "Name Signature". If you want a print out, please contact me via email and I will be happy to send one to you.
lwhiteibc@shaw.ca



Petition in Support of New Approach to
Facilities Planning in School District 68
The “Facilities Renewal” approach adopted by School District 68 is based on the assumption that fewer, larger schools will bring in a more affordable, desirable outcome. We believe this perspective has several critical flaws, including,
$ Schools are more than buildings. They exist as communities of people, relationships tailored over time, to meet the unique needs of the neighbourhood. They serve social and educational needs that are not equally suited to fewer larger buildings that are spaced further apart.
$ Despite the symbiotic relationship schools and community groups, inadequate consideration has been given to improving or expanding partnerships in the interests of school sustainability.
$ There is no consideration given for important issues such as city planning and community development.
$ SD 68 has used questionable statistics and benchmarks which do not provide an accurate picture of the long term viability of a school.
$ The accelerated time frame imposed by SD68 does not allow time for parents and community members to properly understand the issues or provide input.

We, the undersigned residents of the area contained by British Columbia School District 68, petition School District 68 Trustees to recognize the importance of neighbourhood schools to communities by;

Recommendations
1. taking immediate steps to halt further closures by School District 68 and establish a policy to be enacted when School Closures are being considered. This policy will provide parents and other community members with a period of not less than 18 months to formulate a revitalization plan in response to any proposed public school closure, and to require the board to give such plan full consideration;

2. striking a task force comprised of trustees and qualified members of the public to review and make recommendations regarding School District 68 current school closure process to ensure that public schools are closed only as a last resort and after due consultation with the community; and

3. encouraging improved and expanded ongoing partnerships between parents, communities and municipal and provincial agencies to ensure that neighbourhood schools continue to fulfill the educational and civic needs of School District 68's communities.



#
Name Printed
Address
Name Signature