Detailed space planning nears completion for upcoming school year

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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’s 47 schools to identify where space can be utilized differently, altered or added to accommodate more classrooms.  The review is now complete and work will start to have classes in place for back to school in September.  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.  High school space planning is in its final stages.

“Reconfiguring 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,” noted Superintendent Piet Langstraat. “I’m extremely grateful to our principals and facilities staff for undertaking what has been a thoughtful and detailed planning exercise.”

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.  Further discussion between providers and schools will occur in coming days. In two schools—Tillicum Elementary and Vic West Elementary—it 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 Victoria 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’s Office
Office: 250.475.4103
Mobile: 250.893.1062

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