Brock Trustees Meeting

Brock School Trustees Meeting

Last week's editorial on the Trustees meeting in Brock produced some interesting emails. Some of them are obviously written by very angry people, some by people who took the time to think things out a little more. As I said in the Editorial, I don't mind people who disagree with me, but when they make it personal, you have to wonder what makes people tick.

I enclose some of the many emails I received. I took out the names mainly to protect some peoples' ignorance.


Doug


1)

I couldn't agree more with your comments regarding the meeting at Brocklehurst. I as a parent was embarrassed and dismayed at the approach taken by many. Have we forgotten that even more important than what school our child attends is teaching them (many of whom were sitting right next to the parents) to be open minded, reasonable and respectful citizens?
That being said, I do understand their frustration and whether intentionally or not, they were blindsided. Yes, the board is doing their best in trying circumstances, but the plan they have put forth has not taken all factors into consideration, does not allow enough time to consider all of the implications and devise solutions for them, and creates HUGE inequality within our own city. As if Kamloops doesn't have enough division already...
Very respectfully submited :)
a future Brock parent.


2)

Wow, I wonder if you and I were at the same meeting? Were you at the meeting?

When I left the meeting I felt very proud of the North Shore residents. I think that they asked some important questions, raised some valid points, and demonstrated great respect for the trustees.

Most speakers made a point to thank the board for their efforts and their time. I can only think of one speaker who made a disrespectful remark. The community has a right to demand sound educational decisions, it is their tax dollars that pay for public education.

While middle schools may be gaining some popularity, it does not mean they are in the best interest of the students. Also, many of the speakers did not disagree with the idea of a middle school but rather with the time frame that the trustees have proposed.

Switching from a high school to a middle school is a major undertaking. Professional development for teachers to learn the new curriculum and new classroom management techniques, removing inappropriate books from the library and replacing them, creating a new school philosophy, developing age appropriate courses, creating a workable time table....the list goes on and on...Can that be done, successfully by next September?

Lastly, I do agree with Brock residents that they were blindsided. The trustees laid out a plan and people were prepared for the possibility that Brock may become a junior high. No where in that plan did it say anything about a middle school. This new proposal does cause a lot of chaos and uncertainty about transportation, sports, courses, and ultimately the well being of their children.

Perhaps your rant should have been directed toward our government that continues to financially slash public education and healthcare. I think that the 500+ (not 200 as reported by the media) people that showed up to the meeting at Brock should be commended for their activism and commitment to their community.

3)

Comment : Re: Brock Parents Fight for Conformity Was anyone from TV7 actually there?
If so, either they were from the \"favoured\" south shore, or they need a lesson or two in objective journalism...90% of the irate parents attending that meeting were NOT for conformity...they were about maintaining the status quo and protecting their childrens\' rights and opportunities as students and/or student athletes not to mention undue hardship for low income parents to provide SAFE transportation to and from the PROPOSED new schools. This proposed change impacts the majority of parents and children on the north shore in a negative or potentially negative fashion. What should be considered by all student parents in the north shore is breach of trust litigation and recall of all elected officials involved for this apparent \"throwing to the wolves\" of our children, their education, their opportunities for bursaries and scholarships, and, most importantly, their safety.
And Mr. \"One Man\'s Opinion\" Doug Collins should consider taking his fork out of that pie and actually attending the topic of his forays before inflicting his uneducated, biased opinion on the people of Kamloops. As a Brocklehurst resident, I would suggest that the School Board consider what the enrollment would be if all the designated catchment area students were forced to attend their \"catchment\" schools and quit finding reasons to keep South Shore schools open (my apologies to those who could be affected). Try one of these \"test\" runs in another area for a change...and cut the BS Mr. Spina; we all know that all school boards are under pressure to cut costs...imagine the lawsuit should one of these students be injured or harmed travelling out of his or her neighbourhood to live up to your supposed \"wave of the future\"...gutless wonders, the majority of our elected officials it seems (sorry Bev)

4)

Dear Doug,
You usually hit the nail right on the head. Tonight in your comments about the public meeting concerning the future of Brocklehust Secondary you were right on. Not one word was wasted. You expressed so well what needs to be said. My compliments and admiration.

For years I have travelled the province visiting schools and following education research. There are many exceptional middle schools in BC and the US, England and elsewhere serving their communities and students well. I have spent a lifetime in schools. Many as a student (20 between public elementary and secondary school, University, Post Graduate studies and diploma courses in North Carolina, McGill etc.) followed by 53 years as a professional educator (teacher, principal, school district and Ministry official). I have read much research and have experienced many grade configurations in Kamloops, BC, Canada, the USA, England, Germany, France and Ghana. The bottom line is that any configuration works if the community, parents , teachers and students make it work, get behind the school, are in involved in setting, and support the aims of the school. The most important thing that makes for successful schools is parent-teacher-student relations and respect. The most important "driver" in making decisions about school configuration is economics. Does it make economic sense? Enrolments have declined. Conditions have changed. I was the vice-principal of Brocklehurst Jr Sec.in 1968 (grades 8-10) and it was a very successful school as it was when it became an 8-12 School and can be if it becomes a Middle School. The School Board and District Administration are working hard to meet the challenging demands of declining enrolments and escalating costs. Change is rarely welcomed, but is a necessity of life. You expressed better than I could the current situation. Well done!! In a challenging and changing world we need clear thinkers, Thank goodness we have you!!

5)

To: Doug Collins: One Man\'s Opinion I was disappointed with your comments during last night\'s newscast regarding the new and surprising reconfiguration plans for the North Shore. Given your comments, I don\'t think you were at the meeting as you presented a misleading picture of the Brocklehurst students and parents. I was at the meeting and what I observed was students and parents who were passionate about their school and community and who asked that the North Shore receive equal treatment as compared to the South Shore and Westsyde. I believe that they have this right and I hope that you, as a longtime newsman, would also believe in this right.