Board members from the Southeast Cornerstone school division met with electors in Pangman on Mar. 19.
Board members from the Southeast Cornerstone school division met with electors in Pangman on Mar. 19. During the meeting they received additional submissions from delegations to review, as currently Grades 9 to 12 are being considered for discontinuance at the school.
"It went very well," said Marc Casavant, director of education for Cornerstone. "They did a very good job representing their community, and providing information to the board."
"I thought it was exceptional and I was proud of the presentation," said Elwood White, chair of the Pangman School Community Council. "I learned that the trustees thought it was a good presentation, and had explained why were are optimistic about the future of our community."
"I felt positive about it," said Brandon Tichkowsky, another Pangman representative. "I heard from board members that they were pleased with how the community handled themselves. It made me proud to be a person from Pangman."
"I wish the board would give us more feedback because we don't know where they are at, but we have to let go of that fact," added Tichkowsky.
There were approximately 100 parents, community officials, students, external stakeholders and members of the community that made presentations during the evening.
Presentations were made around the topics of school development goals and the possible impact of receiving schools. High school employment opportunities, the health centre and ambulance, infrastructural development, community support, Pangman Charity Farms, and bus routes and roads.
The bus route information include possible routes if the Grades 9 to 12 were discontinued at Pangman. "They had a lot of questions regarding the suggested bus routes and the timing of the routes," said Casavant.
There were also discussions on a mentorship program and anti-bullying, affordable housing development, and the business perspectives and cost savings.
The presentation that impressed Casavant the most was by developer James Carpenter, of ClayCup Developers from Alberta, who is building affordable housing in Pangman. "He really demonstrated his commitment and enthusiasm,"
"They were very enthused about the presentation by the developer, and it was an outside perspective looking in," said White. "He has talked to other large businesses in the area about his housing development because the cost of lots in Pangman will be very low compared to costs of lots in competing areas."
Cornerstone board will receive written submissions up to Friday, Mar. 30 at 4:30 p.m. The final decision on the consideration of grade discontinuance for Grades 9 to 12 at Pangman School will be made on April 19, during a regular board meeting.
