Media Release
For Immediate Release
Monday, May 1, 2017
Detailed space planning nears completion for upcoming school year
VICTORIA, BC – In response to the recent BC Supreme Court decision made in late March regarding class size and composition, a detailed review of school space has occurred across the District鈥檚 47 schools to identify where space can be utilized differently, altered or added to accommodate more classrooms.听 The review is now complete and work will start to have classes in place for back to school in September.听 As a result of the Supreme Court decision, 84 additional classes must be added to elementary and middle schools for the 2017-2018 school year.听 High school space planning is in its final stages.
鈥淩econfiguring space in a growing district for 84 additional classes has been an exercise of reutilizing space and balancing the many needs of students and staff across our schools,鈥� noted Superintendent Piet Langstraat. 鈥淚鈥檓 extremely grateful to our principals and facilities staff for undertaking what has been a thoughtful and detailed planning exercise.鈥�
A detailed review of space within each school was undertaken to determine how space could be used differently to accommodate more classes. As a result, 12 portables will be purchased, built or shifted amongst schools. Portables will be added at the following schools: Willows, Quadra, Campus View, Northridge, Oaklands, Cloverdale, Margaret Jenkins, Central and Reynolds.
In a number of instances, where out-of-school childcare providers have had dedicated classrooms, schools and providers will need to share spaces.听 Further discussion between providers and schools will occur in coming days. In two schools鈥擳illicum Elementary and Vic West Elementary鈥攊t has been confirmed that there is not enough space for out-of-school care preschool programs to continue to be offered.
The school district will work closely with the municipalities of Saanich, Oak Bay and 糖心视频污 to help expedite the municipal approval processes to accommodate introducing portables in time for the 2017-2018 school year.
Media Contact:
Katie Hamilton
Communications and Community Engagement
Superintendent鈥檚 Office
Office:听250.475.4103
Mobile: 250.893.1062