Dear Editor,
Re: “Closing time,” Front Feature, April 8.
It comes as no surprise that the Richmond School Board has shortlisted 16 schools for possible closure.
Upon reviewing the school (enrolment) projections for the next couple of years, it makes sense schools that are low in numbers and also require seismic upgrades, should be closed to better manage resources.
This is especially true where another nearby school is within walking distance.
I have a child who is approaching school age and it is unsettling to think our public school system is struggling to make ends meet. It’s cut back after cut back.
As a single parent, my challenges on a daily basis to balance life and work are exhausting.
It really does “take a village to raise a child” and so far, I feel defeated by the school district putting up road block after road block.
I made note of every important application date and, short of camping out overnight or lying about our residence address. I did everything the school district asked of me.
In the end, the district has turned down my non-catchment transfer.
I’m now forced to keep my child at a school which is more than 50 per cent over capacity AND give up an out-of-school care spot at a nearby school that I have waited four years to get.
How can the district justify its decision when a parent is willing to help re-allocate resources.
It’s turning down a win-win situation and, after the official closures are announced, it will likely be forcing more parents into a corner.
I guess the school board thrives on negative publicity.
Sandra Wong
A defeated and frustrated Richmond parent
