Band-Aid solution
One Stratford parent says the planned expansion of Stratford Elementary School does not have enough long-term vision
Stratford parent Jill Burridge says a long-term vision is needed to deal with overcrowding in Stratford Elementary and Glen Stewart Primary schools. The province recently announced a five-year capital plan to address overcrowding at the two schools, as well as at L.M. Montgomery, and involves a $6.6-million, 14-classroom expansion to Stratford school and a $5.3-million, 10-classroom expansion at L.M. Montgomery.
However, Burridge said more is needed.
“They gave us a little breathing room,’’ Burridge said Monday. “What frustrates people is that this was thrown down very quickly. There was an urgent need (for expansion), but it was just kind of thrown down, and the frustration on our part is you’re going to spend this $6 million but why couldn’t it have been done with a bit of vision down the road?’’
To that end, a parents meeting has been called for Monday, Jan. 29, at 6:30 p.m. at Stratford Elementary School where the topic will be discussed.
The 14 new classrooms at Stratford elementary will include room for students who transfer over from Glen Stewart.
“It’s a Band-Aid. It’s going to get us through, maybe, the next few years and then we’re going to be in the same exact spot again,’’ Burridge said. “Everybody knows Stratford is one of the most rapidly growing communities in P.E.I.” Parker Grimmer, director of the Public Schools Branch, said the decision was made based on the current need, on input from the school review and on recommendations from the branch’s board.
“This is our most immediate concern and need,’’ Grimmer said.
“We’re going to address the overcrowding. Glen Stewart is going to become freed up because they’re going to have less students and there’s going to be a new addition for students to move over to, which will make Stratford elementary not overcrowded. It also provides some room for future growth for these communities. This is the proper course for us to do now.’’
Jodi Zver, co-chairwoman of the Stratford Elementary Home and School Association, said current plans will alleviate the overcrowding issue.
“In my mind, it really is the only viable short-term solution,’’ Zver said. “I believe this solution will work for a number of years. It depends on how you define short term and long term. Short term, in my mind, (is) three to five years because if you’re looking at any more infrastructure than that, it’s going to take longer to plan.’’ Grimmer said the expansion of Stratford elementary and L.M. Montgomery will be ready for 2019.
“It’s not realistic to get a new school building in a year,’’ Zver said. “The parents in Stratford asked for the overcrowding to be addressed and it’s being addressed. How long is it going to last, only time will tell.’’