Pubdate: Fri, 20 Jan 2006
Source: Kamloops This Week (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Kamloops This Week
Contact:  http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1271
Author: Mikelle Sasakamoose
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DISTRESSED OVER 'DRUG CORRIDOR'

Stacey Gagnon doesn't want her six-year-old daughter walking down the 
"drug corridor," or through a parking lot full of teenage drivers, to 
get to school.

"I've been in high school before," she said. "I know sometimes it's 
'cool' to bug the little people, and the fact that drugs are more 
prominent now, that scares me. You never know."

Gagnon's daughter attends Westsyde elementary, one of three 
elementary schools slated for possible closure following this school year.

If the school is closed, more than 200 students will be moved to 
neighbouring David Thompson elementary, raising a slew of parental 
concerns, including walking distance and routes.

School District 73 assistant superintendent Jean Borsa met with 
members of the Westsyde parent advisory committee this past week to 
hear their concerns, answer questions and provide information.

"It's just a matter of making sure they knew all the things that they 
could do so that the board receives the best information it can and 
parents can have their questions answered," said Borsa.

Gagnon said her main concern is how her daughter will get to David Thompson.

The family does not live far enough for bus service, and the walking 
route to the school is not one considered safe by parents, she said. 
The route would take many students through alleyways and parking lots 
at and near Westsyde secondary, said Gagnon.

She added that the high school has a reputation in the community for 
having a drug problem, noting that the pathway from the Super Save 
gas station to David Thompson elementary is where secondary students 
smoke and is referred to by residents as "the drug corridor."

Borsa said she reminded parents that no final decision has been made, 
and she understands "parents are going to try and think ahead and 
worry about things that might happen.

"But if there is any children using drugs and we know about it, it 
will certainly be patrolled and looked after and reported," Borsa said.

"Because those are things that we do not want children to be doing, 
no matter what their age."

The Westsyde PAC is on a fact-finding mission, gathering information 
and formulating questions based on parent concerns.

The group will host a community forum on Tuesday night.

The PAC hopes to have its questions answered in time for the school 
board's public hearing on the possible school closure, scheduled for Feb. 21.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom