Parents air concerns about SD23's grade reconfiguration plan

West Kelowna families of the Central Okanagan School District aren't happy after learning that grade reconfigurations could take effect this year.

The announcement was made by the elected West Kelowna trustee, Julia Fraser, at last night's Planning and Facilities meeting in Rutland.

The grade reconfigurations would only impact westside area schools of SD23 - something originally proposed for Sept. 2019.

However, parents were told last night their kids might be heading off to different schools this fall.

"I'm not surprised about reconfiguring the grades, I was expecting these changes," said Sabrina Dalgleish, a single mom in West Kelowna. "I'm floored at the catchment changes that were not discussed at the previous meeting."

The proposed changes to West Kelowna schools include:

• 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)

• 9 TO 12, TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN SEPTEMBER 2018.

The purpose of the grade reconfigurations is to solve the current spacing issues. It's an issue the SD23 superintendent says has been caused largely by the restored language around class sizes in B.C.

In 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada reinstated class size limits, something the previous BC Liberal government had eliminated in 2002. The results from the reinstated class sizes afforded a more manageable teacher-student ratio.

However, it also created an immediate demand for more space and teachers.

"It was the implication of this restored language class size that put extra pressure on space and so we need more spaces now," said Kaardal who transitioned from the Burnaby school board to SD23 in 2016.

Parents say the timeframe feels rushed and are concerned it could have a negative impact on the community.

"I was not against the grade reconfiguration but I feel it is too rushed and the students and teachers don't have time to prepare," said Dalgleish. "When I attended the last board meeting it sounded like the changes wouldn't come into effect until September 2019."

Six other options were put forward - one proposed busing students to different schools - something parents hope doesn't happen.

"I purchased this home in an area so my children could walk to and from school and now to find out that my son might have to take a 15 to 20-minute bus ride to get to school when he could just walk down the street seems ridiculous," she said.

However, superintendent of SD23, Kevin Kaardal says this isn't an option the board will likely choose.

"We haven't changed the family schools and there's no change in boundaries and it's just kids are going to middle school one year earlier," said Kevin Kaardal, superintendent of SD23.

But Dalgleish isn't the only parent who shared similar concerns, suggesting parents are looking for more clarification on the proposed changes and budgetary concerns.

One thing is certain - the original plan was to reconfigure in 2019, says Kaardal, adding that cost pressures are driving the current decision.

"We recognize that this isn’t the ideal model but...when you realize there’s this $1 million cost to not taking action, you have to put it on the table and let the board make a decision about what it wants to do about that."

#BCed will have to wait until March for the school district operating grants to see all the details (#bcpoli fiscal year vs school year), but the new #BCbudget includes $212 million year over year increase for public education. That’s good news for teachers, students, and parents

— BCTF (@bctf) February 20, 2018

This week, the BC NDP Government announced a $212 million year over year increase for public education. Much of the funds are expected to go into hiring teachers, but the full details of the operating grants will be revealed in March.

Ultimately it's "good news for teachers, students, and parents," said BCTF president, Glen Hansman.

Kardaal says the budgetary concerns came to the board's attention a couple of weeks ago and was discussed in a special general affairs meeting.

The recommendation was then presented at the meeting last night.

"We would like to see a balance between the fiscal responsibility of the school board and the social needs of our kids, parents, teachers and community," said Sara Neukomm, parent and PAC co-president for Rose Valley Elementary.

Neukomm and the other parents support the grade reconfiguration for 2019, but want more time to prepare for the changes.

"As my fellow PAC parent, Tobi Walker, said to me, 'The extra year to plan would create lasting effects of positivity. How people feel will either help this transition or sabotage it, even if this is the right choice. There is power in coming together to make a decision and I fear the district is missing that opportunity.'"

Another main concern is the fact that two different schools having different grade configurations will split up the kids from their peers - grouping some with an older student body and others with a younger group.

For example, Constable Neil Bruce Middle School would offer Grade 6 to Grade 8, while Glenrosa Middle School would offer Grade 6 to 9.

"That's creating a bit of an imbalance," said Neukomm. "The Grade 6's are in a grouping with much more mature kids and the Grade 9's at Glenrosa Middle School - when they transition to Mount Boucherie, they may be a year behind their peers."

Kaardal says the board is looking at mitigating the imbalance by implementing various leadership initiatives with the students.

"We would ensure the two Grade 9 programs mirror each other as much as possible," said Kaardal.

A final decision on the reconfigurations could be made as early as the next board meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 28.

The meeting is open to the public and details of the location and time will be posted on the SD23 website, says Kaardal.