Meeting announced to decide if Central Okanagan students change schools this year

The Central Okanagan Board of Education has announced the time and location of the meeting where the grade reconfigurations will likely be determined.

Next Wednesday, Feb. 28, SD23 is hosting a public board meeting at 1040 Hollywood Road South at the Hollywood Road Education Services building.

The meeting will largely discuss steps moving forward from the Feb. 21 meeting when the Planning and Facilities Committee recommended the following:

THAT: The Board of Education approves, in principle, the reconfiguration trigger point for Lake Country area schools to K to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 12 is upon the opening of the new middle school in Lake Country in September of 2021.

THAT: The Board of Education approves, in principle, the reconfiguration trigger point for Mission area schools to K to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 12 is upon the opening of Canyon Falls Middle School in 2019.

THAT: The Board of Education approves, in principle, the reconfiguration trigger point for Westside area schools to K to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 12 is upon the staged reconfiguration K to 5, 6 to 8 (Constable Neil Bruce Middle School), 6 to 9 (Glenrosa Middle School) and 9 to 12, to be implemented in September of 2018.

The grade reconfiguration plan was initially scheduled for Sept. 2019, however, it was announced this week that the recommendation is to change the school setups this year.

A public question and comment period will be provided for anyone wishing to speak on any matter related to public education.

The next regular public board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 14 at 6 p.m. at the School Board Office.

For more information on the reconfiguration trigger points, read the memorandum prepared by Kevin Kaardal, superintendent of SD23.