Correspondence between District of Wells and SD28
Chair Louise Scott (note dates):
District of Wells
...an official British Columbia Gateway Community
P.O. Box 219
Wells, BC V0K 2R0
Telephone: (250) 994-3330 Fax: (250) 994-3331
June 14, 2002
Louise Scott, Chairperson
Quesnel School District
401 North Star Road
Quesnel, BC V2J 5K2
Dear Ms. Scott:
Re: Wells/Barkerville School Closure
As Mayor of the District of Wells, I wish to explore with you the possibility of resolving the question around the future of the Wells/Barkerville Elementary School by the option of transferring the ownership of the subject property to the District of Wells. The transfer would need to be based on the successful negotiation of a long term leasing arrangement that would see the building or a portion thereof leased back to the School District for the purpose of providing an elementary school in our community.
I believe such an arrangement would address the objectives of both our Council and your Board. It would maintain the elementary school within our community and would reduce your operating and capital costs for the school.
General conditions of an agreement should include, but not be limited to the following:
-Transfer of ownership of the property to the District
of Wells for a nominal amount;
-A commitment by the School District to maintain an elementary school
in Wells (conditions could apply);
-A commitment by Wells to provide the facility back to the School District
including the provision of specified utilities and all building and grounds
maintenance at cost;
-A commitment by Wells to update the heating system;
-A provision to allow the leasing of surplus building space to third parties
where compatible with the school.
Given the complexities of such an arrangement and the time constraints we face, I would suggest that if you are in general agreement with exploring this option, that we meet with our respective colleagues to gain formal authority to open negotiations as soon as possible. As an interim measure, the School District would need to withdraw the option of closing our school this year. In turn, I am confident that our Council would direct our staff to cease all school-related actions not directly relevant to achieving the necessary long-term agreement required. Working together I anticipate that we can resolve this issue to our mutual satisfaction and put this matter behind us.
Yours very truly,
Mayor David Hendrixson
District of Wells
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Quesnel School District
401 North Star Road
Quesnel, BC
V2J 5K2
Tel (250) 992-8802
Fax (250) 992-7652
Board of School Trustees
August 21, 2002
Mayor David Hendrixson
District of Wells
P.O. Box 219
Wells, BC V0K 2R0
Dear Mayor Hendrixson:
The Board reviewed your letter of June 21, 2002 at its June meeting. We appreciate your offer to help reduce operational costs of the Wells School.
Currently the operational cost per student in Wells is significantly higher than the District average. Your offer would not reduce the cost per student to the degree needed to keep the school open. Your proposal would also create jurisdictional issues with our support union.
I regret your proposal does not provide a workable solution.
Yours truly,
Mrs. Louise Scott, Chairperson
Board of School Trustees