The Peace River School Division (PRSD) Board of Trustees discussed the possible centralization of its Main Office and Support Services Offices to the current Grimshaw Jr/Sr High School (GHS) site.
Kuester: “I believe every trustee in there voted their conscience, and voted what they felt would be in the best interest for their students.” (Photo/PRSD)
And despite a recommendation by Superintendent Paul Bennett to do just that, trustees voted 4-2 to reject the proposal.
Board Chairperson Darren Kuester says that he respects the decision that the board made.
“It was a democratic process,” said Kuester. “We went to great lengths to get all the information that we can get, and I believe that every trustee in there voted their conscience, and voted what they felt would be best for their students.”
Kuester was one of two who voted in favour of the recommendation, along with Trustee Carmen Johnson. Vice-Chariperson Louise Woroniuk, along with Trustees Sherry Crawford, Nan Bartlett and Delainah Velichka, all voted against it.
Although he did support moving the PRSD’s Central Services to Grimshaw, Kuester says the final outcome was not a terrible one, adding there are still other options being discussed.
“We are still feeling the constraints of the space we have available at our current Main Office building, and in particular at our bus maintenance shop located in Peace River,” he said. “Those issues are still going to have to be addressed. We will be tasking administration in the coming days to come up with other options to possibly centralize within the Town of Peace River.”
During deliberations, trustees expressed concerns regarding the costing of moving to Grimshaw, including questions on whether or not the current locations would be able to sell in this economy, as well as with the age of the GHS building.
Prior to the official vote, the board heard from Bennett, Peace River CAO Chris Parker, as well as John Pryzbylski, the PRSD’s Director of Support Services. They provided a presentation regarding a possible partnership opportunity within Peace River.
After the vote, both the Town, as well as the Peace River & District Chamber of Commerce, both expressed their approval with how the vote went.
Deputy Mayor Elaine Manzer says she understands the fact the trustees had a choice to make.
“They spent several years looking at the consequences for their decision, both in finances and for the betterment of students, staff, and their whole operation,” said Manzer. “So, on behalf of the town, we’re certainly pleased with the decision. As well, (CAO Parker) has indicated that the Town is willing to continue ongoing discussions with PRSD about any mutual operations that can benefit both the Town and the School Division.”
As well, Chamber President Shelly Sorensen says they certainly will be a part of all the discussions between the town and the PRSD.
“We want more collaboration between everybody,” said Sorensen. “I also think that we need to get the citizens more involved with the community, and we need to make everybody more aware about how important these decisions really are.”
After the meeting, Kuester took the time to thank everybody who was involved through this entire process.
“I really want to thank the staff for their input, as well as for their patience with (the board),” he said. “We did ask for a lot of information, and this has dragged on for quite some time. But when we make a decision, we want to make sure we exhaust all avenues”
– Posted by BET
