The Greater Victoria School District has released a survey seeking the public’s input on seismic upgrade options for both Shoreline Middle School and Craigflower Elementary School.

One of the four options includes potentially closing Craigflower Elementary.

According to SD61, both schools require significant seismic upgrades and have been identified as a high priority risk.

Four options have been provided, one of which includes the closure of Craigflower Elementary and the relocation of the school to an expanded Shoreline Middle School site for a K-8 configuration.

Those options are:

• Seismic upgrade for both Shoreline and Craigflower
• Seismic upgrade and Expansion for Shoreline / Reconfiguration for K-8 (close Craigflower and move students to Shoreline)
• Seismic Upgrade for Shoreline / No improvements to Craigflower
• Seismic Upgrade for Craigflower / No improvements to Shoreline

Breakdown of both schools

Craigflower Elementary School

• Located at 2766 Admirals Road
• The school site is 3.31 acres
• The building is approximately 2,636 square metres
• The school was built in 1963, with additions in 1972
• It has five blocks, all with a seismic risk rating of High Risk
• Current enrollment is 117 students in kindergarten to grade five
• Capacity is 220 students

Shoreline Middle School

• Located at 2750 Shoreline Drive
• The school site is 9.52 acres
• The building is 6,170 square metres
• It is on the immediate priority list in the Long
  Range Facilities Plan
• The school is comprised of five blocks constructed between 1968 and 1983. All blocks have a seismic risk rating of high risk
• Current enrollment is approximately 300 students in grades six to eight
• Capacity is 425 students
• Operates as a dual-track middle school (offers French Immersion)

The two schools are within walking distance of each other.

Our first priority is always providing a safe learning environment for our students and staff,” said Board Chair Jordan Watters.

“Everyone deserves to be safe and feel safe when entering our school buildings. We also understand safety more broadly and are continually working to provide equitable learning opportunities and create culturally responsive learning spaces,” Watters added.

It is important that our schools have a meaningful connection to the communities they serve and we move forward with an inclusive and sustainable future in mind.”

According to a statement from the district, there are a number of considerations taken when planning for school upgrades, including educational needs, as well as capacity and student enrolment projections.

Other considerations include operating and capital costs, environment, Indigenous and community values, and community amenities.

An online open house will be held on Thursday, January 21st, at 6:30 p.m., to discuss the proposed options.

The survey will close at 3 p.m. on Friday, January 29th.