Proposed South Park school changes concern parents

South Park Family School parent Richard Fleming says he was hoping for more consultation and more answers about possible changes at an open house this week.

As part of an ongoing catchment-boundary review, the Greater Victoria school district is considering changing South Park and Cloverdale Traditional School from “schools of choice” into catchment schools — a prospect that has caused significant opposition. The district is holding a series of open houses with an eye to making a decision on boundary issues in the spring. Changes would be implemented in September 2020.

South Park emphasizes parent participation and the study of art and the environment, while Cloverdale offers a structured environment where students wear uniforms.

Also facing possible change is Victor School, which serves students with special needs but could become a catchment school, as well.

District secretary-treasurer Mark Walsh said about 170 parents were at the recent session. Fleming said many expected something of a “town-hall” format, and parent Jeremy Caradonna said he wanted to have more of a question-andanswer session.

Parents want to help find solutions to keeping the school as it is, Fleming said.

“It’s quite a special school,” he said. “The big thing that makes the community of South Park — and why the parents are fighting so hard for it — is that all the parents choose to be there.”

Fleming said parents plan to be at the next open house Wednesday at Lansdowne Middle School.

Walsh said this week’s open house was similar to a popular format held when the future of Victoria High School was being discussed. In both cases, the public has had the chance to interact with district administration and school board trustees, he said.

Walsh acknowledged that some people were looking to have a chance to ask questions, so that will be part of the Wednesday’s gathering.

He said that while the South Park and Cloverdale communities have concerns, the district must also engage parents interested in other aspects of the review process.