Letters sent to The Premier, Minister of Education, MLA's and Quesnel School District Trustees...
August 9, 2002
Premier Gordon Campbell
PO Box 9041
Stn. Prov. Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9E1
Fax: 250.387-0087
Mr. Premier,
RE: THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROPOSED WELLS BARKERVILLE BOWRON LAKE SCHOOL
You and your staff do not seem to realize the full ramifications of the closure of the Wells Barkerville Bowron Lake School. Yes, it is about kids and education. But that is not the reason that we have such overwhelming support from the political community in the North Cariboo.
The reason the Cariboo Regional District and the Mayor and Councillors of Quesnel have been so outspoken against this School Board decision is because it affects the economy of the entire region. This is one issue that has transcended traditional party lines and has become a concern to all, regardless of political leanings.
We understand that you wish to give school boards autonomy and this may be a good thing in many situations. We understand that there is a backup mechanism with the option to have a public trustee appointed. However, I do not believe that the legislation allows for the situation (which granted would not be common) when a school board (which by its own admission does not see regional economic development as part of its job) makes a decision that has much more far reaching effects.
While the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women s Services is working hard on the process the devolve Barkerville, the Province s premier heritage site, the actions of School Board 28 (Quesnel) are putting huge hurdles in the way. To be successful, Barkerville needs a viable service community, especially to attract and retain qualified staff. Without school in Wells, this will not be possible. This symbiotic relationship between Wells and Barkerville has been documented in report after report, including the report of the Barkerville Futures Committee, a government task force. The relationship between Barkerville, Wells and the regional economy is also well documented and this is why the political community is developing emergency resolutions on the closure our school for the upcoming UBCM.
It is in the Province's best interest to find a way to intervene in this situation to protect their assets at Barkerville and ensure that the devolution of the site remains a viable option. Without at least a K to 7 program at the Wells Barkerville Bowron Lake school it is unlikely that it will.
It would also be wise to quickly develop some policy that, while leaving school boards flexibility and autonomy, safeguards them from making decisions that have ramifications beyond their sphere of expertise.
Sincerely,
Judy Campbell
PS. I would like a response, but not the typical cookie-cutter
one which others who have written on this issue are getting. Thanks.
Judy Campbell
Wells, BC
