The decision to close schools is a complex one.
It is imperative that policy and procedure be followed. This ensures that the public has confidence in both the decision makers and the process, regardless of outcome.
We have concerns regarding policy violations, procedural unfairness and lack of transparency by SD67. An investigation is currently being conducted by the B.C. Office of the Ombudsperson. Some concerns:
1) Omission of page 2 from SD67 School Closure Policy #750 from Oct. 26, 2015 From Challenge to Opportunity document. Key policy information was missing.
2) Jan. 6, 2016 addition of Trout Creek to the list of schools considered for closure just 14 days prior to the original final decision day. All other schools considered for closure were announced on Oct. 26, 2015.
3) Violation of Policy 750 1(a) No feasibility report has been completed for Trout Creek closure.
4) Violation of Policy 750 2(iv) “Advertise the time and place of the public meeting(s) (with at least seven days notice).” The Trout Creek community was given just six days’ notice. All other schools slated for possible closure had four to six weeks to prepare for their community meeting. The board did not advise the school community of this meeting with a letter, as per policy.
5) Violation of Policy 750 2(d) (iv) “Specifically notify, in writing, any potentially affected local governments and First Nations of the time and place of the public meeting.” The District of Summerland has confirmed that they did not receive any written notification from SD67.
6) Small Community Grant controversy. This grant provides extra funding to support the viability of small community schools. Receipt of this grant removed Kaleden and Naramata Elementary Schools from consideration of closure. SD67 denied that Trout Creek School received this grant, but parents proved that Trout Creek actually does. Trout Creek was slated for closure anyway, demonstrating an unequal application of exclusion criteria.
7) Inconsistent treatment related to over-capacity. Closing Trout Creek and the reconfiguration of all Summerland schools results in Giant’s Head school being overcapacity. Other schools were removed from consideration for closure for being at or near capacity.
We feel that a ministry-appointed special adviser could address these issues. We encourage anyone with these same concerns to bring them forward to the Ministry of Education.
Trout Creek School PAC