Greater Victoria School District has voted unanimously to move forward with phase three of its catchment review afterconsidering recommendatioins form a phase 2 report.
After receiving community input the board is proposing new catchment boundaries due to increasing student enrolment and limited space in some of its schools. It's the first review done in almost 20 years.
The district is the fastest growing in the province, and Superintendent Shelley Green says boundaries must be adjusted to ensure there is adequate space for all students.
Board chair Jordan Watters says the board has heard from hundreds of parents and guardians, some supportive of the proposed changes, and others who are advocating for alternative solutions to the overcrowding problem.
Waters adds not everyone will be happy, noting it's challenging trying to find an optimal solution involving 47 different schools, many voices and specific requests -- but staying as they are is not an option.
The District will be hosting meetings to consult with the schools directly impacted by the proposals, with recommendations going baclk to the boartd May 23rd for final deliberations.
Catchment Boundary Review School Meetings:
Cloverdale May 7, 2019 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
South Park May 7, 2019 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Margaret Jenkins May 8, 2019 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Richmond May 8, 2019 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Quadra May 9, 2019 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
To review the new proposed catchment boundary changes in detail, use the District's Interactive Digital Map at: www.sd61.bc.ca/schools/school-catchment-boundaries/
For additional information about the catchment boundary review process: www.sd61.bc.ca/catchment-boundary-review