Two elementary schools in SD 67 scheduled to close, only one eligible for new funding to keep school open

SUMMERLAND — With bated breath , a Summerland community is closer to finding out if Trout Creek Elementary School will be saved from closure. On Wednesday, the Province announced new funding to keep rural schools open and listed nine schools that would qualify for this new money.

READ MORE: New hope for Okanagan schools slated for closure? Province announces new funding

“I feel a lot of relief,” said  Jacquie Kental, a parent with young children at the school. “We are very optimistic but we will have to wait for the Monday meeting”

School board #67 will have a public meeting on Monday to discuss the new funding. Even though trustees haven’t met yet, it’s likely the board will apply for the grant.

“We would be remiss if we didn’t apply,” says board chair Linda Van Alphen.

With just days to go before the end of the school year, Van Alphen is disappointed this announcement didn’t come sooner.

“It would’ve been nice. It would’ve saved a lot of relationships that have been broken in this community.”

NDP Education Critic Rob Fleming said the Liberals are trying to gain political points.

“They’re making campaign-related announcements to try to put the genie back into the bottle,” said Fleming.

Meanwhile in Penticton, West Bench Elementary School parents say they’re devastated their school didn’t make the list for extra funding to stay open.

“We’re 5.8 kilometres from Carmi, the school that the kids are designated to go to next year, which means they have to come down the hill, across the highway, across the river, across town,” said parent Heather Allen. “When we looked at the criteria, we can’t see how we don’t fit on it.”

MLA Dan Ashton said Trout Creek Elementary qualified because all Summerland schools would be impacted if it closes. He’s looking at other options to help West Bench.

“I don’t pick priorities, but Trout Creek school fit into it and we’ll discuss with the people of West Bench to see how we can help them out,” said Ashton.

The school board is also advocating that West Bench Elementary School qualify for the new funding as well.

The school board will hold a public meeting on Monday to determine the next steps.