New School in Batchelor Heights Advocacy Priority

Batchelor Heights

The Board of Education is advocating for a new elementary school in Batchelor Heights, which is the top priority in the 2023-2024 Capital Plan. Catchment changes have been done to alleviate space pressures in three elementary schools, but it is not enough. The only solution is a new school to accommodate students in Westsyde and Batchelor Heights, and the growth expected in these areas over the next decade.
Milestones
Board Advocacy for a New School in Batchelor Heights
2021
Nov. 21, 2021 Letter from parent to advocate for addressing traffic safety issues in the Westmount area. 
2021-2022 - Capital Plan New School for Batchelor Heights
2022
April 23, 2022 - News Release Board and Ministry share a joint news release about support for Batchelor Heights to proceed to a business case.
Feb. 28, 2022 - Board Report Desperate need for a new school in Batchelor Heights. The Board necessarily resolved to do catchment changes impacting three school communities (David Thompson, Westsyde Elementary, Westmount) because  Westmount Elementary School was at 181% capacity utilization. Even after this catchment change, Westmount Elementary is still at a capacity utilization of 125% with 30% of students in portables. The solution is a new school in Batchelor Heights.
Jan. 10, 2022 - Board Report Board approves the administration to proceed with a Crown Grant application.
Jan. 10, 2022 - Board Report Board approves new bus routes for Batchelor Heights students attending Westmount to ease traffic concerns.
2023
Feb. 4, 2023 - Board Communication Board thanked Mr. Humphrey for working with Director McDonald to expedite the Crown Grant for Batchelor Heights.
2023-2024 Capital Plan Batchelor Heights - top priority (now that we have funding for Pineview Valley)
January 22 and 23, 2023 Board articulated capital priorities to Minister Rachna Singh and shared the negative impacts of catchment changes when having to move students due to space pressures.
How to get Involved

Honourable Minister of Education and Child Care, Rachna Singh

Mail: PO Box 9045, STN PROV GOVT
           Victoria, B.C. V8W 9E2
Copy: Heather Grieve, Board Chair, Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education

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