As the wait time for a New Westminster elementary school continues to drag on, families are demanding answers.
A Feb. 28 letter to council from Maya Russell, chair of the New Westminster school board, called the Simcoe Elementary development an "urgent" priority and obtaining approval is at a dire stage.
The March 10 council meeting saw councillors support a motion to write to the education minister in support of School District 40’s capital needs that reflect its long-range facilities plan.
On Saturday, (March 15), families will be rallying and demanding answers from the province.
SD40 District Parent Advisory Council members say the concept plan has been with the minister of education for more than three years, awaiting approval.
"No funding has been announced despite the obvious and urgent need," a press release stated.
"Our MLAs and the ministry of education and child care told us to be patient. We were assured of a funding announcement last year and then told to wait again until the spring.
"The budget has come and gone and our district is still waiting. Our kids cannot wait any longer."
The rally is being held at the office of New Westminster-Coquitlam MLA and Minister of Labour Jennifer Whiteside (335 Sixth St.) from 1 to 2 p.m.
Whiteside has also previously served as the education minister.
"Much like other cities, our district is left with impossible choices," the advisory council added.
"We are calling on the ministry to fast track the building of Simcoe Elementary and give public education the investment our children deserve."
SD40 was originally hoping the 600-student elementary school would have a completion date of 2027.
With files from Theresa McManus
