Feb 1 – In-camera motion – Moved by Councillor Mike Campol and seconded by Councillor Jim King.

That Council direct administration to write a letter to School District #53 outlining their concerns with the short notice of the impending school closure; AND that Council lobby the Provincial Government to find a solution other than closing one of the two schools; AND that Council arrange a face-to-face meeting with the Minister of Education that would include members of Council and members of the Public; AND that Council lobby communities that are within the School District #53 jurisdiction to seek out interest in providing supportive municipal funding; AND that Council work with local organized parent groups to seek alternative solutions other than closing one of the two schools. CARRIED

Decision brought into a public meeting.

OVERVIEW
Administration delayed writing a letter to SD#53 until the results of the council/school board and public
meetings on February 9th.

Delaying the letter enables Council to identify additional key messages and suggestions to address the school closure.

Today’s  discussion provides Council with the opportunity to discuss strategic next steps to implement the
motion and develop key messages for the Administration to include in the letter for the Mayor’s signature.

1. Does Council want to set up a meeting with school representatives and the Minister of Education?
2. Does Council want to formally engage the MLA in this discussion with Council?
3. How is Council going to work with the local parent groups?
4. Are there some specific key messages Council wants included in the letter.

 

Consensus at public meeting this afternoon. Seek private meeting with MLA Linda Larson. Set up a meeting with Minister of Education, Mike Bernier,  as soon as possible. Letter to School Board to be written this week and distributed to media as quickly as possible.