PENTICTON, B.C. – Among the six schools in the Okanagan Skaha School District that could be closed down due to district-wide declining enrolment and increasing deficits, McNicoll Park Middle School looks to be already spoken for.
Penticton’s École Entre Lacs, part of Francophone School District 93 in B.C., is said to be bursting at the seams and has formally requested an opportunity to move into McNicoll Park and lease the facility from School District 67.
The option was one of a few discussed during a public meeting in Penticton Monday night.
“We’re looking for something that’s sustainable, that would help us dig ourselves out of this deficit that we tend to be carrying every year,” said SD67 Board Chair Linda Van Alphen.
Carmi Elementary, McNicoll Park, Parkway Elementary and West Bench Elementary in Penticton, Giant’s Head and Trout Creek elementary schools in Summerland are all targeted for possible closure.
A spokesperson for the Regional District Okanagan Skaha Area ‘F’ Parks Commission asked the board to consider not only leasing out more space to recreation groups, but keeping the school open with increased public availability.
“Community citizens also see this as a win-win regarding keeping the school open and safeguarding an important community gathering place,” said Rick Hatch.
Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit asked the board to remain optimistic, believing enrolment will someday rebound.
“We’re optimistic that growth is going start to increase,” said Jakubeit. “We’re hoping your direction is flexible enough to adapt to be scalable to adjust to the needs of the community’s future.”
Okanagan Skaha trustees will continue to receive input from the public up until March 6, when the board must make a decision on moving students and closing schools.
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