Hub school model a ‘great concept’
Re: “Louisbourg hub school proposal being evaluated,” Cape Breton Post, Aug. 18.
My hope is that the proposed hub model is on the right track, and will involve new ideas and forward thinking. This concept of a hub school model has the potential to illustrate a positive vision for the many vacant schools we will need to deal with, not just in Cape Breton but across the province.
I have outlined some thoughts below.
The hub school model is a great concept and needs to involve the community and both the local school board and province, who must listen and be prepared to think outside-the-box.
This isn’t really rocket science, folks, and to use these buildings that are in good shape structurally and environmentally offers a great community opportunity and can achieve some cost savings. I am not sure a consultant is the way to go. That extra process just adds to more expense in a process that should allow the community, the board and province to make reasonable decisions without third party involvement or cost. That’s why we elect boards and governments.
These buildings can actually become the hub of a community. The province could look at moving from leased space to having space in these buildings with a goal to have long-term cost savings. The community can use the space for holding community meetings, use the recreational space, and help build community sprit and pride. Potential also exists for the local volunteer fire departments and EHS to have space. There’s really a wide range of possibilities.
Most buildings can be made into a green building and space with renovations. Let’s look at it this way. Say government is currently renting some office space from a private owner. Why not move that public service into a new space? What about the need for public early learning and daycare services throughout the province? There is no reason that local school boards cannot offer these public services through the hub school model. Centers that would be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the community. What could the municipality do to build in some services into a community hub building?
This looks to be something that, once they get through it, can be redefined and the process simplified to get an end result that is a successful model and acts as a community hub. Hub school models could provide many public services so citizens get the best bang for their tax-dollars. This kind of thinking must be applauded. It keeps some school board staff working to perform upkeep and maintenance, others working in the field of early learning and child care services, among other things. The door is wide open to some real opportunities if we choose to move forward with doing things differently.
Danny Cavanagh President Nova Scotia Federation of Labour