Editor,
The South Surrey Learning Centre should remain open for several key reasons:
• Community support: It provides essential services and fosters a sense of belonging for students who struggle in traditional schools.
• Individualized learning: Smaller class sizes and tailored support help students succeed academically and emotionally, which would be lost with the closure.
• Diverse needs: The centre supports students with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, or behavioural issues, and its closure would leave these students without the necessary resources.
• Impact on vulnerable students: Many at-risk students benefit from a safe, supportive environment that would be harder to replicate in larger schools.
• Cost-effectiveness: Closing the centre may save money short-term but could lead to higher long-term costs from higher dropout rates and additional support needs.
• Transportation and accessibility: Forcing students to attend distant schools would add stress and logistical challenges for families.
• Equity in education: The centre provides an equitable educational space, particularly for students from lower-income families.
• Parental and student advocacy: The Learning Centre has strong emotional and educational support from families, and maintaining it would help preserve trust between the district and its community.
Leslie Chanin
