By Ashley Legassic

Kamloops school board votes to reopen Westsyde Elementary

Mar 12, 2019 | 9:15 AM

KAMLOOPS — Come September, Westsyde Elementary School will be home to students once again.

Monday night (March 11), School District 73’s board of education voted unanimously to reorganize the catchment area for David Thompson School, and reopen Westsyde for the 2019-20 school year.

In a news release, SD 73 says months of community and staff consultations gave trustees a clear indication that reopening the school is in the best interests of the children and the Westsyde community.

The board also approved the capital expenditure of just over $1 million for renovations that will begin immediately. The budget includes $150,000 to purchase resources for the library, textbooks, office supplies and gym equipment.

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Westsyde Elementary was closed in 2006 due to declining enrolment, but in December 2018 the long-range facilities review presented to the board showed that the smallest school in the district, David Thompson, is currently at 125 per cent capacity.

“Opening the school will create healthy learning environments at both David Thompson and Westsyde with more flexible support spaces for all students,” said Rob Schoen, assistant superintendent, in the release.

The board also voted to give special consideration to Grade 6 students at David Thompson who may be changing schools in their final year, in response to concerns raised by parents.

During consultation, issues of the speed limit on Westsyde Road, the number of crosswalks, and the area available to pick up and drop off students were raised. District staff say the City of Kamloops has been cooperative and is “committed to resolving concerns” regarding those issues.

Of the 175 students expected to be enrolled at Westsyde, 60 will arrive by bus.