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Traditional school forum Nov. 13 at Fraserview

Mission school board trustees organize meeting to hear from local parents
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Mission school trustees have set a tentative date of Nov. 13 for its public forum on traditional schools.

At last month's board of trustees meeting, a motion was put forward to organize an evening where politicians and school district staff could hear from parents what is lacking in local schools and has driven increasing numbers of students to traditional educational facilities.

Board vice-chair Jim Taylor said three main questions will be asked.

1. What characteristic defines traditional schools?

2. Do you believe Mission needs a traditional elementary school?

3. Do you have school-aged children that you would move and what school are they currently attending?

Taylor said in a previous article in The Record that the aim of the meeting is to hear from parents.

"The forum would be short on information to the public, but lots of ideas from the public," he said.

The issue came to a head after enrolment numbers were examined last month.

Co-acting superintendent Randy Huth noted 172 students (including Summit Learning Centre) have withdrawn from the local school district. The majority, 105, moved out of province, but 42 migrated to an independent school. A lower number was seen at the secondary level, with 141 total withdrawals, and 86 moving to another province, with eight now attending an independent school.

Taylor said it would be helpful to the board if Mission parents who don't have children in the local system could offer their opinions on what's missing locally.

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 at Fraserview Elementary School on Seventh Avenue,