Parent Meeting With ARC~~~Blyth

This is a cursory and incomplete list of information that was brought to the attention of parents and the community last night at Blyth Public School.

This idea of a "community school" is not "official" yet, as we still do not know what the board will recommend and what scenarios they may put forth, which would be in April.

The idea of having a bus trip for parents, or community members to go to Essex to view an idea of what our proposed "community school" may look like, was put forth.

Alex, a parent in the community, said it is very important where the school is located. (Which, many parents agree). The response was that the location was to be determined by the board, not ARC.

Alex mentioned that many citizens without children are not in favour of a "super school", to which was replied, "Where are these people? This is why we are having the meeting, they should be coming out." (Paraphrase).

A question was asked regarding the possibility of a middle school for grades seven and eight. This question was answered that with the problems of declining enrollment, there would still be issues of school closures to incorporate this type of middle school, and again a busing issue for that scenario.

What about the seven and eight grades going to a high school? At this point, Madill could take in 190 students, and CHSS could take in 245 students of the grades seven and eight. This would potentially split Blyth in half, and many parents are against this idea, why have our impressionable younger children thrust into a high school setting early? There are many negative ramifications to this solution.

Alex made a comment "Who is ARC representing?" Which is a fundamental question that is very important, (he posed very good questions at the meeting). ARC responded that they were "hoping to be representing the kids" and their best interests.

To continue maintenance on the schools up for closure is roughly one third the cost of a new one. One point that was made, was that all schools need to become one hundred percent accessible to all (wheelchair lift for the stage, ramps. . .), and it is cost prohibitive. These moneys would be better spent on a new facility rather than patching up older schools that are essentially "bricks and mortar".

One benefit of having a new school is the idea of frequent air changes in the school itself with new HVAC, which would make the environment more healthy than that of the existing schools.

More to be added to later. . .