Decision on South Okanagan school closures delayed until March

PENTICTON – With a deadline for a decision regarding school closures in School District 67 looming Jan. 20, the board announced yesterday it would be postponing that decision until March.

A press release issued by School District 67 explained additional options coming forward during the consultation process to date has resulted in the board deciding further opportunities for feedback and input was necessary.

The meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 20, has been postponed until March 9, where it will take place at the IMC building, which is located immediately behind School District 67’s administration offices at 425 Jermyn Avenue.

“After an extensive review of the many emails, survey results, telephone conversations and presentations made by the parents, grandparents and community members, the board made the decision to extend the deadline for input,” said board Chair Linda Van Alphen in an email on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

"As a board, from the outset we spoke of and were genuine in asking for public input and suggestions on other options for our consideration. We are extremely proud that we have been inclusive of all manner of feedback. Taking the time to review all the input and being absolutely certain of all the data and demographics surrounding options “A” through “I” is simply our commitment to the process,” Van Alphen said.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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