School District 79’s Board of Education was happy to greet nearly 50 community members who attended the first of three meetings Jan. 12 to start the conversation on the long-range plan in the north end for Chemainus and Crofton.
“The two hours was well spent, and packed with information and great parent questions and input,” noted Board Chair Candace Spilsbury. “The focus of this first conversation with the community was to set a base of knowledge that we could all work from as we move forward. We were able to come together around common facts and the reality that faces our board as we make these important decisions with our community.”
The growing number of students, particularly at Chemainus Elementary, is one of the important discussion points.
“During our table-top time, we posed three questions to the community after having a robust discussion and setting the groundwork,” Spilsbury indicated. “Right now, our staff are tabulating the comments and feedback that was provided in order to focus the next session and continue to bring us to a community-based conclusion.”
The next session to continue the conversation will be Tuesday, January 29 at 6:30 p.m. The site will be at Crofton Elementary School followed by another session on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Chemainus Elementary.
For those who missed Saturday, Spilsbury said not to worry. One session is not dependent on the other and new faces are always welcome.