School bus to deliver petitions to VSB to keep schools open

The fight to save schools from possible closure in east Vancouver is ramping up this morning.

A school bus will be rolling across the neighbourhood starting just after 8 a.m., carrying parents and local community members.

They’ll be stopping at several schools, including Sir Guy Carleton Elementary, Graham Bruce School and Gladstone Secondary.

Their final destination is the Vancouver School Board, where they’ll deliver a petition with thousands of names on it.

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Activists say key neighbourhood schools are on a potential closure list despite their record of achievement.

READ MORE: Vancouver School Board lists 12 schools for potential closure

In June, the Vancouver School Board announced six elementary schools, four annexes and two high schools — 12 in total —  could potentially close in the city.

The board is struggling to cut its operating costs, facing an $18-million shortfall. As a result, schools under capacity may be closing. The potential closures are a result of pressure to meet provincial capacity standards as the board strives to meet a district-wide capacity of 95 per cent.

Trustees will review a detailed report on each school listed for potential closure consideration this month. Schools communities that are approved for consideration of closure will go through a consultation process in October and November.

A decision regarding closures will not be made until December, and the earliest any school could close would be June, 2017.

— With files from Amy Judd and Paula Baker