Editor,
Your readers may be interested in some background information to help understand the issue of the possible reconfiguration of secondary schools in Squamish ["Teachers denounce grade swap," The Chief, Jan. 22].
First of all, the purpose of the reconfiguration proposal is to address certain educational challenges presented by the current arrangement.
Without getting too detailed, it is safe to say that there are inequities in the delivery of various programs to our "middle years" students, and that these inequities are partly due to the imbalance in grade 8 and 9 enrolment at the two schools.
In addition, there are some instructional advantages to creating one larger group of grade 8 and 9 students. The School District website has more information about this (sd48.bc.ca).
In its determination to make significant improvements to our graduation rates, the board would be remiss if it did not seek ways to address these issues.
One solution would be to combine the 8s and 9s in one school. I say one solution, because there may be others.
That is why, on February 3, the board will be meeting with the Don Ross Secondary staff to discuss options. The purpose of the meeting, from the Board's point of view, is to collaborate on constructive solutions.
It might be helpful to note that, in an effort to ensure input from concerned individuals and groups, the board has already held public meetings at both high schools, and the superintendent has met with each of the two high school staffs.
In addition, we have held talks with our principals, and our staff has attended recent PAC meetings.
The board's next step is to decide on an implementation plan. This will include a description of the proposed changes, further consultation if needed, and a time line.
I would like to thank The Chief for making education a key issue on our community. With good will and collaboration, we can make significant improvements in the achievement of our students.
Rick Price
Chair, Sea to Sky Board of Education
