Special Board Meeting October 18, 2010 Capital Project Update Neighbourhoods of Learning Consultation Final Report

Purpose 1. Detail the consultation process 2. Provide results of the process 3. Provide recommendation to the Board based on results

Background Identified needs in 2003 – aging infrastructure, insufficient capacity of west side schools Site selection process 2009 identified school sites – 300 seat elementary/St Mary’s, 500 seat middle/John Robson, 1,800 seat sr secondary/NWSS NWSS site constraints required cooperation SD 40/City/M. Ed Framework Agreement for MPAC solution reached with City in July 2010 M. Ed instructed consultation on NoL and MPAC

Neighbourhoods of Learning Preliminary Vision & Concept Built on the work of the New Westminster Public Partners Child Development Committee and public consultations over the last three years Vision: School District No. 40 (New Westminster) is working in partnership with the City of New Westminster to develop three accessible, inclusive, and vibrant schools which will act as focal points within our neighbourhoods - and offer a range of programs to meet the needs of our diverse community

Neighbourhoods of Learning Preliminary Vision & Concept Concept: Community programs that are in place in existing schools (NWSS, John Robson), including daycare, before and after school care, counselling services and performing arts and culture should be maintained and enhanced, and act as building blocks for the Neighbourhoods of Learning Centres. Additional program requirements identified through the process and the NoL public consultation will build on these.

6 Consultation Process Focused Stakeholder consultations Over 25 presentations Parent groups Stakeholder organizations Arts and culture groups School District, City, Project team Powerpoint Presentation followed by discussion Individual and organizational responses Online Consultation Brochure, presentation, feedback form Public Consultation Translated Information session September 21 Open House sessions September 23 & 25 Independent Polling Sept 27 to 30 – 500 respondents

7 Key Findings Overall support for NoL Vision and Concept, including MPAC solution, was strong across the community Focused Stakeholder Consultation Every responding group (90%) provided endorsement Feedback form responses (online and paper) from focused events, open houses, information session 243 total responses Over 93% support NoL vs less than 3% do not support Independent Polling 83% of respondents support plan for new schools 73% of respondents support replacement of Massey Theatre

8 Key Findings - Identified Concerns Raised by most respondents Proceed as quickly as possible Ensure safety in schools at NLCs Raised by specific interest groups Parents Staging – build high school first Opportunity for input on NLC programming Service organizations Selection process for programs Cost of running programs Arts Groups Impact of Massey downtime on operations Uncertainty around funding to build larger, higher quality theatre

9 Recommendation – Suggested Motions Motion 1: Be it resolved that the Board of Education of School District No. 40 (New Westminster), based upon the level of public support, confirm its plan to include Neighbourhood Learning Centres at the elementary school at the St Mary’s site, the middle school at the John Robson site and the secondary school at the NWSS site. Motion 2: Be it resolved that the Board of Education of School District No. 40 (New Westminster), based upon the level of public support, confirm its plan to replace the Massey Theatre in accordance with the terms outlined in the Business Terms Framework Agreement as a part of the Neighbourhood Learning Centre at the new secondary school