A steering committee will be struck and city staffers will be involved in the Burnaby community school strategic plan.
The strategic plan is expected to provide direction for community schools in Burnaby, and maximize their effectiveness and resources to meet the fluctuating needs of Burnaby citizens. Council approved staff to participate in the plan at its Jan. 27 meeting.
“Shifting demographics, limited budgets and new techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of community schools have created an opportunity to review Burnaby’s community school model,” said Dave Ellenwood, director of parks and recreation. “A new strategic plan will provide direction for the community school model in Burnaby and ensure that community school resources are maximized for the benefit of Burnaby citizens.”
There are seven community schools in Burnaby, and these schools were designated between 1976 and 1997, according to a city staff report.
Last June, council approved spending almost $400,000 of the city’s funds to operate the seven schools.
As for community schools, Ellenwood says community schools maximize the use of school district facilities.
“They assist the community in solving issues of local concern,” he added.
The steering committee will be made up of 11 members, including two community school principals, a community school coordinator, a city councillor and a school trustee, among a few others related to the community school network.
Since the designation of the first community school in 1976, Burnaby has experienced rapid population growth,” he said. “In 1976, the city had a population of 131,600 residents, while in 2011, it had a population of 223,220 residents. In addition to population growth, the city has become increasingly diverse socially, economically and culturally.”
Ellenwood expects the steering committee will meet four times, starting in early 2014. At the end of its term, the committee will recommend a plan, which will have to be approved by the school district, parks, recreation and culture commission, and Burnaby council.
