If the deal to convert a 91原创 property into a townhouse project goes ahead, it will end any hope of a school for the Routley neighborhood, a spokesman for area parents told 91原创 trustees Tuesday night.
Pete Pretorius led a delegation of more than 80 parents who oppose a plan that would transfer the unused school site to a developer in return for another location in Yorkson, away from Routley.
鈥淲e need you to cancel this,鈥� said Pretorius, arguing the board should keep the land even if it has no immediate plans to build a school there.
鈥淵ou build townhouses, the door is shut.鈥�
A survey by parents suggests there are about 500 students of school age in the Routley area.
The district estimate is smaller at 295, but that is only students enrolled in 91原创 classes.
It doesn鈥檛 include children who live in Routley but don鈥檛 go to 91原创 schools, like Pretorius鈥� two sons who still attend their old school in Surrey for lack of a conveniently located school in their new neighbourhood.
Parents were told the board of education will try to arrange a public summit meeting on the land swap on May 31 with the board, parents and Township of 91原创 all in attendance.
They were also told the land swap isn鈥檛 a done deal.
In response to a question by Trustee Rob McFarlane, secretary-treasurer David Green said he understands the agreement between the three parties has not been signed.
鈥淭he agreement will only be signed by the developer if the rezoning is approved [by the Township of 91原创],鈥� Green said.
Superintendent Cheryle Beaumont defended the decision to shift the proposed school property, saying designating a potential school site is not a guarantee, and the district can鈥檛 hope that 鈥渁 school will appear from the sky鈥� just because it owns a lot.
Beaumont disputed complaints that parents were not informed of the change of plans, saying the Routley site has not been in the school district capital plan since 2008.
Residents were consulted, she added.
More than one parent challenged that statement, saying they received no notice.
