FALL REPORT
The new school year promises no shortage of news stories, including those flowing from the civic election and an expected teacher job action, but another one that's sure to be interesting is the final report on an audit of school buildings. The audit will help decide which buildings should be retained upgraded or replaced.
It combines data from six different reports--a structural seismic study, a building condition assessment, a non-structural seismic vulnerability assessment, a green assessment, an educational adequacy assessment and a heritage assessment. The project is a joint venture with the Ministry of Education. In the works since 2009, the audit's complexity has caused delays, according to superintendent Steve Cardwell. But the wait is almost over.
"We have recently received some preliminary information on the comprehensive facilities audit. We anticipate receiving the full report by early fall," Cardwell explained. "My understanding is that the delay has actually been due to a number of variables within the components of creating this complex report. The delay has nothing to do with the costs."
Cardwell isn't sure what the final bill will be for the report, but figures should be available after the summer break--in late August or early September.
The VSB is paying for some of the costs, but the Ministry of Education is also covering some of its key aspects.
Many of Vancouver's aging schools need seismic upgrades and critics argue the work is taking too long to complete. The replacement value of all schools is estimated at $1.6 billion. More than $460 million in maintenance is required over the next five years.
GROUNDWORK
After months of planning, work on Grandview elementary school's new $100,000 natural playscape, courtesy of a grant from ING Direct and design work by Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, is underway today, July 20.
Construction was expected to take seven hours with help from community volunteers.
The design includes a hill slide, climbing boulder, mosaic water feature, amphitheatre, fruit trees and it incorporates logs recovered from fallen trees in Stanley Park.
CHILDCARE
Vision Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»trustee Sharon Gregson, who's long called for a publicly funded early learning child care system, contacted me to say the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»School Board recently passed a motion unanimously endorsing the Community Plan for a Public System of Integrated Early Childcare. The Coalition of Childcare Advocates of B.C. and the Early Childcare Educators of B.C proposed the plan. It stresses the need for "additional, adequate and stable funding."
The motion urges the premier, Ministry of Education and other provincial policy makers to commit to the plan's vision and work with communities to begin its implementation. The board also commits to talk with employee groups about the plan.
Gregson is not running for re-election in November's civic election.
SCHOOL REGISTRATION
Since schools are closed for summer, if your child isn't already registered for school, it has to be done at the District Reception and Placement Centre. It's located in Moberly Elementary (east wing), 1000 East 59th Ave. Registration hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday to Friday. Check the school board website for further details on what's required.
Twitter: @Naoibh
