Hello Board,

Thanks for a helpful meeting this week.  It was wonderful to see our outstanding schools highlighted with the Blue Ribbon award for Maire, the Kindness Challenge #OneGP presentation, and the plethora of good news shared by Mr. Rennell.  We have so much to celebrate!

The preschool numbers information was very enlightening.  It looks like enrollment is doing very well, and I hope the district/Board will consider adding preschool sections for the ages with extensive wait lists.   As everyone in business or marketing knows, getting “customers” in the door is an important and valuable step!

I am disheartened that even after such a productive meeting, the fear of policy 5120 is still being spread.  The flyer, originally reported to being distributed by Ms.Pangborn, was updated and distributed today at the annual GP Board of realtors meeting, with the same language about dramatic negative impact on real estate market.  While not ideal, the very real savings this policy could provide seem worth considering given the current budget situation. Further, the fear seems to be exaggerated when you consider the policy would only impact families for max 1 year and all students would still be guaranteed a spot at one of our exceptional elementary schools.  Running classes with 14 students was something most on the board expressed concerns about as not fiscally conservative! Sometimes compromise and level headed, not fear based, decisions must be made.

I sincerely hope all members of the board work together in the best interest of our students and schools through this critical period.

Thank you,
Shannon Byrne