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Money pumped into board office

Trustees want assurances Vernon district project won’t impact resources for students
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The Vernon School District’s administration office is getting much-needed upgrades but not at the expense of students.

Trustees voted Wednesday to renovate the existing office and replace portables on the site with new space, but staff was told specifically where the about $7.3 million will come from.

“There are concerns in the community about these things,” said trustee Lisa de Boer of the perception of money going into offices and not classes.

The primary sources for the project will be international student revenue, excess maintenance and transportation funds, property sale proceeds and annual facility grants.

The goal of the board project is to not impact financial resources for classrooms.

“We have to offer reassurances to the public that we are fiscally responsible,” said trustee Doris Squair.

Chairperson Kelly Smith was reluctant to be so restrictive on the source of funds.

“The folks at our board office are working for our students. That is education,” she said.

On Wednesday, trustees heard about the deficiencies in the board office, which was built in 1972.

“It’s the facility in the worst condition in the school district,” said Sterling Olson, secretary-treasurer.

There are issues with heating, and when air returns aren’t blasting cold air and dust, they allow other issues to migrate.

“Washroom odours come through into our work space,” said Jan Mills, a senior purchasing clerk.

Water drips into offices during rain storms and the aged design makes it challenging to handle modern technology.

The stairs into the basement are uneven and the lower level was never intended for offices but that is where international students and other departments are based.

One employee recently experienced respiratory issues because of humidity in the basement, while there is a concern about potential mold, especially from the carpets.

Outside, a series of portables are used for offices, but they lack washrooms.

“It also creates a barrier for different teams working with each other,” said Jen Carter, numeracy co-ordinator.

Squair admits the board project is about needs and not employee wants.

“We’re not putting in fountains and massage rooms,” she said.

Construction will likely start in June or July 2018.

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