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Closing Kwaleen Elementary School is not an option; lacks vision and imagination

Populations age, and people move from place to place for jobs, health, retirement, etc.

Editor:

Populations age, and people move from place to place for jobs, health, retirement, etc.

Williams Lake in 1958 was just starting to grow, as bush mills started to relocate in town, and expanding production.

More people moving to town for jobs resulted in School District 27 not being able to keep up with building schools.

As a result most school yards had portable classrooms in most of the Cariboo at one time or another.

In recent years because of fewer mills running, and loss of jobs, families moving to other locations for work, and aging populations not having school children anymore School District 27 now wishes to sell off and close down schools.

Bad move.

Economy could change, younger families with children could move into town, and we could again have class room shortages.

At the present time there are about 450 plus, mailing addresses on South Lakeside Drive with a possible 450 and more new residences between Fetter’s subdivision, Prosperity Ridge, plus all the commercial possibilities. At present time most of news construction and development is on the south side of Williams Lake, both sides of Highway 20.

And School District 27 is considering closing Kwaleen School, makes no sense all.

Lack of vision, and imagination.

We should make better use of our property, and buildings.

Example, would be Marie Sharpe School and property, would make a good day care, kindergarten, preschool, etc. in the centre of the city.

Parents working in town, easy access for dropping off children. Large playground, lots of classroom space, large gymnasium for bad weather, etc.

Could be an on-the-job training centre for child care for those wishing to learn the vocation, making better us of our facilities, etc.

Closing Kwaleen is not an option.

Thinking outside the box is so foreign in most academics, (it’s scary). Practical advice comes from practical people.

Look up some pensioners and seniors for ideas on practical advice.

Peter V. Epp Sr.

Williams Lake