Editor:
As parents of soon to be three children in Ladysmith, we’re deeply disturbed about the changes within the proposed Enhanced Facilities for Learning Plan.
We are upset enough that we would pull out of School District 68. Our children represent a lost opportunity of $312,000 to the district.
How many other parents will follow suit? If all Ladysmith has to offer is one K-5 and one 6-12 school, how many potential residents will opt out of moving to Ladysmith because this undesirable model offers no choice?
We would never send our son, at 10 years of age, to a school alongside 18-year-old young adults. A 10-year-old needs a playground, a safe environment to explore his imaginative world and the chance to be a Grade 7 leader in his school before making the already intimidating transition into high school.
People and families move to Ladysmith for its small town community. We have experienced that energy, commitment and community at École Davis Road.
It is a school that is full to the brim with wait lists for both French immersion and English track programs. It is full because there is a need for a school in the south end of Ladysmith, and families are moving here. It is in demand because of its great French immersion program, its vibrant reputation as a community school infused with volunteer energy and a history of dedication to positive learning. How dare anyone consider shutting down such a success story in an education system that is in such desperate need of good schools?
The good news is there are multiple viable and preferable alternatives to be considered by the board. Exemplary of Ladysmith’s serious intent to work proactively on this plan is success4all.ca. Local parents have researched and submitted provocative solutions as can be viewed and voted for on this site.
Our hope is that this “consultation” period truly results in positive, collaborative action to find alternatives that reflect our community school’s core values, the long-term needs of a growing community, alongside the values and changes needed within the district.
This is this district’s shining moment to merit a gold star by exercising good government. If you up at the top fail, how can we trust the education system within this district at all?
Jessica Lowry and Graeme Rouse
Ladysmith
Editor’s note: The deadline for letters and concerns to be heard by the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District is June 24. E-mail your feedback to Cathy Kelt at ckelt@sd68.bc.ca or mail it to Board of Education, School District 68, 395 Wakesiah Ave., Nanaimo B.C., V9R 3K6.
