James Park parents pleased at new school's potential new uses
Tri-City News
Sep 30 2009 
By: Diane Strandberg

James Park elementary school could be one of the first Neighbourhoods of Learning in School District 43 when its replacement is built in the next few years.

And that has the chair of the parent advisory council and many other parents pleased as punch.

Last week, the James Park PAC learned the $12-million project could include space for a child-care program, a health clinic, a family resource centre or even office space for community agencies under a new provincial initiative to make better use of school facilities.

"When [SD43's official Carey Chute] discussed it with us, the possibilities were unlimited. All the parents were excited, and just the general talk about what could go in our neighbourhood," said Leanne Hargrave, who has a daughter in Grade 4 at James Park.

….Chute, who is helping the district plan its school construction projects, said James Park will be the first of the four replacement and one new school to built that will be designed as a Neighbourhood of Learning under a provincial plan that also requires new school buildings to be built to LEED Gold standards, among the highest ratings for energy and environmental construction….