Parents rally to protest Richmond school closings

Dozens of Richmond parents and their children rallied outsidethe Steveston offices of LiberalMLA John Yap (Richmond-Steveston)Saturdayto show their opposition to the planned closingof several district schools.

In order to access more provincial funds, the Richmond school district must be at 95 per centcapacity.But right now, it's at 81 per cent, so the district is planning to close four tofive schools.

Many of the parents blamed the provincefor not providing adequate funds for education.

• Richmond School Board to close at least 5 schools next year

Holding homemade signs and chanting, "Where's Christy Clark?"protesters demanded more moneyfor the education system.

Many brought their children to the rainy rally.

The district argues it is closing schoolsbecause of changing demographics and declining enrolment.

Butparents like KimNowitskyaren't buying it.

"They are closing schools that are well attended, that are fullor near capacity like my son's school and that is disrupting a lot of people's lives," Nowitsky said.

"They're not closing the schools at the bottom of the list for capacity.

StudentBrenna Hagelsaid she isstressed at the thought of schools closing.

"They're not really asking us what we want and it's not fair for the kids."

A decision on which schools will close is expected in the fall.

With files from Bal Brach