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  • No MoE Funds For New Schools in SD68

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    Scott Kimler
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    In an email exchange between School District Trustees and SD68 Secretary/Treasurer (obtained from a Freedom of Information request), it is clear that the BC Ministry of Education has no money to fund new school builds, either in Nanaimo (a new NDSS) or in Ladysmith for a new elementary school. Note: To read the email in chronological order, start at the bottom and read UP. MoE counsels SD68 to re-evaluate their schools on the seismic upgrade list. If they're able to re-prioritize those schools (move them from High-3 status to High-1 status), there IS funding to do that (which can turn into a school "re-build", depending on the amount and type of work needed to make the facility safe). Basically, the MoE is telling SD68 the way forward to get funding, but SD68 has already turned away seismic funding for S. Wellington when they closed it. (And Jamie Brennan demonstrates he's not informed, by asking if seismic $$ can be diverted elsewhere ... no Jamie, it goes back into the Provincial seismic fund for another School District that has High-3 rated schools that require work ... Duh). Donna Allen talks about "visionary thinking", when she really means "wishful thinking." Note: North Cedar Intermediate is currently rated an High-3 school and could be a candidate for seismic funding and South Wellington [was] on the list to receive seismic funding THIS year (until SD68 decided to close it). Now, those funds are lost to SD68 and returned back into the Ministry of Education pool of seismic funds. (Opportunity lost by looking at greener grass across the fence - a sparkly "new" NDSS and/or Ladysmith Elementary ... WHICH IS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN).

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    No MoE Funds for New Schools in SD68

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    In an email exchange between School District Trustees and SD68 Secretary/Treasurer (obtained from a Freedom of Information request), it is clear that the BC Ministry of Education has no money to fund new school builds, either in Nanaimo (a new NDSS) or in Ladysmith for a new elementary school. Note: To read the email in chronological order, start at the bottom and read UP. MoE counsels SD68 to re-evaluate their schools on the seismic upgrade list. If they're able to re-prioritize those schools (move them from High-3 status to High-1 status), there IS funding to do that (which can turn into a school "re-build", depending on the amount and type of work needed to make the facility safe). Basically, the MoE is telling SD68 the way forward to get funding, but SD68 has already turned away seismic funding for S. Wellington when they closed it. (And Jamie Brennan demonstrates he's not informed, by asking if seismic $$ can be diverted elsewhere ... no Jamie, it goes back into the Provincial seismic fund for another School District that has High-3 rated schools that require work ... Duh). Donna Allen talks about "visionary thinking", when she really means "wishful thinking." Note: North Cedar Intermediate is currently rated an High-3 school and could be a candidate for seismic funding and South Wellington [was] on the list to receive seismic funding THIS year (until SD68 decided to close it). Now, those funds are lost to SD68 and returned back into the Ministry of Education pool of seismic funds. (Opportunity lost by looking at greener grass across the fence - a sparkly "new" NDSS and/or Ladysmith Elementary ... WHICH IS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN).

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    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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    129 views4 pages

    No MoE Funds For New Schools in SD68

    Uploaded by

    Scott Kimler
    In an email exchange between School District Trustees and SD68 Secretary/Treasurer (obtained from a Freedom of Information request), it is clear that the BC Ministry of Education has no money to fund new school builds, either in Nanaimo (a new NDSS) or in Ladysmith for a new elementary school. Note: To read the email in chronological order, start at the bottom and read UP. MoE counsels SD68 to re-evaluate their schools on the seismic upgrade list. If they're able to re-prioritize those schools (move them from High-3 status to High-1 status), there IS funding to do that (which can turn into a school "re-build", depending on the amount and type of work needed to make the facility safe). Basically, the MoE is telling SD68 the way forward to get funding, but SD68 has already turned away seismic funding for S. Wellington when they closed it. (And Jamie Brennan demonstrates he's not informed, by asking if seismic $$ can be diverted elsewhere ... no Jamie, it goes back into the Provincial seismic fund for another School District that has High-3 rated schools that require work ... Duh). Donna Allen talks about "visionary thinking", when she really means "wishful thinking." Note: North Cedar Intermediate is currently rated an High-3 school and could be a candidate for seismic funding and South Wellington [was] on the list to receive seismic funding THIS year (until SD68 decided to close it). Now, those funds are lost to SD68 and returned back into the Ministry of Education pool of seismic funds. (Opportunity lost by looking at greener grass across the fence - a sparkly "new" NDSS and/or Ladysmith Elementary ... WHICH IS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN).

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    of 4

    From: Sent: To:

    Kim Howland
    Sunday, )uly 74,2013 L1:52 AM

    Subject:

    Bill Robinson; Donna Allen; David Hutchinson;TerryLynn Saunders; Phil Turin;Trustees; Pete Sabo; Cathy Kelt;John Blain Re: S Well seismic funds Follow up
    Flagged

    Follow Up Flag: Flag Status:

    KN{

    3.2.11
    a

    that's Great additions to the conversation David and Donna... I'm in for supporting long term goals and vision. And very true point david, this is just the start of discussions at many levels.
    Staying positive and working in partnerships to achieve the goal is always a positive way to work' have a great holiday to those who are contributing from afar.
    Safe travels
    Kim

    ----- Original Message ----From: Bill Robinson Sent: Sunday, July 14,20L3 tL:27 AM Pacific Standard Time To: Donna Allen; David Hutchinson; TerryLynn Saunders; PhilTurin; Kim Howland; Trustees; Pete Sabo; Cathy Kelt;John
    Blain

    Subject:

    RE: S

    Well seismic funds

    Thanks Donna. I'm with youl! Bill Robinson School District 68 Trustee

    email: bill.robinson @sd68.bc.ca

    -----Original Message----From: Donna Allen Sent: Sunday, JulY 14,2A1311":04 AM To: David Hutchinson; Terrylynn Saunders; PhilTurin; Kim Howland; Trustees; Pete Sabo; Cathy Kelt; lohn Blain Subject: Re: S Well seismic funds Good morning from the far northl
    Right on Dave
    !

    possible build in communityMy thoughts as I read all the upset from various persons is to stay the course; whenever build a strong 10based initiatives to enhance facilities within the meighbourhood of learning construct and absolutely plan and lay it at the the We build year plan to submit to the ministry not withstanding the cry that there is no money. door of the Ministry and then they can bear the responsibility of saying no to visionary thinking.
    Chee rs,

    Donna

    ---- Original Message ---From: David Hutchinson Sent: Sunday, July L4,201311:52 AM To: Terrylynn Saunders; Phil Turin; Kim Howland; Trustees; Pete Sabo; Cathy Kelt; John Blain Subject: RE: S Well seismic funds Good morning: just a few thoughts from the Superintendent on this situation 1) We have only begun our conversations with the Ministry on this, so continued advocacy is in order. As I was not

    involved in the recent discussion, I look forward to participating directly in future conversations with Ministry officials.

    2)The NDSS proposal could be supported with partnerships with VIU and the City - as well as other provincial, federal, and First Nations organizations interested in building a shared facility. VIU in particular has a strategic focus on the skills and trades, so partnering in this vein makes sense.
    3)The continued disposition of district property (asset management plan), coupled with the reduction of deferred maintenance costs, will yield additional capital revenue that we can apply to renovations and new construction.
    4) We have the option of borrowing to support renovations and rebuilds, with Ministry approval.

    to make the best use of the good facilities we have, given the fact that student enrollment is continuing to decline, and will not increase significantly over the next ten years (or more). The idea of repurposing and retrofitting facilities to accommodate new grade configurations and programs, should continue to be pursued.
    5) We need
    Tha n ks,

    Dave Hutchinson

    DaveHutchinson|Superintendent/CEoE|Fax250-741-521,8
    395 Wakesiah Avenue, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3K6 Jennifer McNeil

    wWE;d68.bg,ga Executive Assistant, Office of the Superintendent/CEO:

    This e-mail is privileged, confidential, and subjectto copyright. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited.

    -----Original Message----From: Terrylynn Saunders Sent: Friday, July 12,2013 8:43 PM To: PhilTurin; Kim Howland; Trustees; David Hutchinson; Pete Sabo; CathY Kelt Subject: RE: S Well seismic funds

    well, you can imagine what I don't need to say. No surprise to me. just imagine what the Cedar and Ladysmith folks are going to say. Hope we have a plan to answer questions regarding 'the Plan.'
    TerryLynn

    From: PhilTurin Sent: Friday, JulY 12,2013 8:47 AM To: Kim Howland; Trustees; David Hutchinson; Pete Sabo; Cathy Kelt Subject: RE: S Well seismic funds There are no Ministry monies at this time. We are NOT a growing SD. The SD will have to submit its Capital Plan and hopefully find some creative ways to build new schools.
    -----O rigina I M essage-----

    From: Kim Howland Sent: Friday , July 12,2013 8:46 AM To: PhilTurin; Trustees; David Hutchinson; Pete Sabo; Cathy Kelt Subject: Re: S Well seismic funds

    Thanksphilforthisinfo. Reallyappreciatehavingtheupdates, lwaswonderingiftherewasanyconversationonanew


    school for ladysmith? As you share the repeated messaging on no monies for new schools....wondered what this means

    for ladysmith as well. Guess with building new schools south of us and with no growth here...they don't see need to rebuild here.
    Thanks
    Kim

    ----- Original Message ----From: PhilTurin

    Sent: Friday, )uly 12,2013 08:22 AM Pacific Standard Time

    To:lamie Brennan
    Cc: David Hutchinson; Trustees; Pete Sabo; Cathy Kelt

    Subject: RE: HiJamie,

    Well seismic funds

    callwith a couple of MoE folks on Thurs, July 11. The purpose of the callwas to reviewtheBoarddecisionsofJune26. WithrespecttotheseismicfundspreviouslyapprovedforSW,weweretoldto conduct"rapidassessments"onany53schoolstoseeiftheymayturnintoS1'sashashappenedinotherSD's. Petewill be handling that and report back.
    Pete and I had a one hour conference

    Also,withrespecttoanewNDSs-don'tholdyourbreathforanewschoolanytimesoon. ltwasquitecleartomethat
    although we may have a strategic plan, which is good, there are no funds available. During the callwe were asked several times as to what funds the SD would be able to bring to the table to fund projects - I actually Iost count of the

    numberoftimes. Regardless,PeteandlbelievethatweneedtocommencewithaMasterPlanningexerciseforthe entire NDSS site to determine how everything should look - that includes not only the relocation of the DAC office, Facilities Yard and Bus Garage - but location of new school, etc, etc. More to come on that in the near future.
    Thxs. Phil

    -----Origina I Message----From: Jamie Brennan Sent: Thursday, JulY 11, 2013 8:54 PM To: Phil Turin; David Hutchinson; Trustees Subject: S Well seismic funds
    Hi: VISTA has garnered the Minister for Fall

    meet. Was asked if Chairs had questions'

    Mine would be: Will the Minister allow


    Thoughts?
    Jamie
    SD 68

    to reassign

    Well seismic funds to other District capital priorities?

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