ATHABASCA – Parents in the Grassland area are expressing concerns regarding a recent Notice of Motion to close Grades 7-12 at Grassland Community School at a special meeting to be held April 8.
The school’s Parent Advisory Council approached the Athabasca County council at its regular meeting Feb. 27 to specifically address what would happen to the library if the school closes.
PAC chairperson Kelly Chamzuk began her presentation by reading a letter to all the council members present.
“Reduce, reuse and recycle should not only apply to consumables. We need to reuse and recycle buildings that house our libraries and our schools,” Chamzuk read. “As a collective we should always be searching for new and innovative ways to support our communities in our county, in essence helping them thrive and survive.”
She asked council members what would happen if the school closes and Aspen View School Division is faced with the hard decision of having to relocate the library as a result.
“What would Grassland look like then?” Chamzuk said. “What’s the county willing to do? Without the library and possibly the school that houses it, I’m worried that the big picture of Grassland and its needs are not being seen. Our library is vital, crucial and important to not only the community but also the school.”
She added that the Grassland Library received funds back in 1983 from a provincial cultural grant to support rural areas.
“I would like to request that our (county) do the same,” Chamzuk stated. “April 8 will provide a small glimpse of the future. No matter the outcome, the possibility of being here again may happen.”
Reeve Larry Armfelt said that the libraries within the community are important to remain where they are at.
“I would encourage you to attend our next county library board meeting in Rochester March 9,” Coun. Warren Griffin added. “This issue has come up since our last quarterly meeting, and I’m sure that this will be on the agenda. While I can’t speak for the board as a whole, I’m sure we will end up writing a letter to Aspen View about what the short and long-term plans are on this issue.”
Coun. Travais Johnson represents the Grassland area on council and also chairs the library board.
“If the school were to close, what would happen to the playground?” he said. “The community just raised more than $200,000 to get the new playground equipment on the property. This, the library and the community skating rink is on Aspen View property. What happens to them after a closure will need to be answered.”
Chamzuk also said she commends the decision by Aspen View to go against the original recommendation made by Edmonton Public Schools to completely shut down Grassland School.
“One thing I can say about Grassland is that there is a very large and dedicated group of volunteers, and because of how our town is situated, I feel that things like the library need to remain,” she said.
Coun. Dennis Willcott also noted that the provincial government had previously promised not to shut down the schools in Rochester or in Grassland.
“The school board at the time said the same thing,” Willcott added. “While it may not be a complete shutdown, moving any amount of kids out is almost the same thing.”
After the presentation, council passed a motion made by Coun. Christine Bilsky to forward a letter to Aspen View requesting further information regarding Grassland School and stressing the importance of shared space for public libraries within rural communities, and to also send a copy to the provincial government.
Bryan Taylor, TownandCountryToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @BryanTaylorNews
