New school too small?

Just a week before digging begins for Kings County Academy’s replacement, there are concerns about the size of the new Kentville school.

At town council’s monthly meeting, September 28, parent, PTA vice-president and educator Kathleen Boutilier asked council for support in an appeal to the province to revisit the school’s plan. “The future of this town is our kids. The state of the art school that we’re expecting will not meet their educational needs because there are not enough classrooms.”

Boutilier - who spoke as a parent, not in an official role – said she was concerned the new school will have too few classrooms, insufficient space for the music and gym programs and a poorly planned playground.

Plans for the new primary to grade eight school show 23 classrooms, but 30 “teaching” spaces, including science lab, computer lab and an art room. KCA currently has 25 homerooms. “If you don’t have enough classrooms, its hard to justify a space for visual arts,” Boutilier said.

Boutilier suggested the new school will not be sufficient for the school’s current programming or future growth. “If we’re not giving them enough space to learn, it’s not much of an invitation to new families.” Other concerns include plans for a single music room and gym for two – one elementary and one middle school - music and gym programs.

Playground plans are also a problem. “Cars come in right smack into the middle of the playground,” she pointed out, meaning accident and abduction concerns. “And there is not enough space for swings. Our school population is 580 kids and growing. If there is not enough space for swings, how is there enough space for kids?” “I think you need to know that this is what is going to begin in two weeks,” she told council. “I’m hoping you will seriously advocate for the kids in my community.”

Mayor David Corkum pointed out, while he appreciated her concern, schools are not under the Town’s jurisdiction. “It’s really not our call. It is the Department of Education and the school board.”

During discussion, Recreation director Mark Phillips told council “the Department of Infrastructure has been given direction from the Department of Education to see if two more classrooms can be fit into that structure.” Current administration has been asked to fit current programs into the new building, he noted. “The province can’t make a school for each individual community.”

Phillips also said he thought the planned playground adequate “As a parent, I’ve never seen every kid at KCA in the court when I drop them off. I’m not saying she’s wrong, but that’s her perspective.” “I have no problem sending a letter,” Councillor Bill Boyd told council. “In two weeks time, we can’t change the infrastructure, but we need to show some compassion.”

At the end of the meeting, council voted to send a letter to the Department of Education asking that parents’ concerns be considered.