Surrey School District Faces Urgent $100K Portable Removal Costs

UPDATE: The Surrey School District is grappling with the urgent decision to remove unused portable classrooms, facing staggering costs exceeding $100,000 per unit. As student populations surge, the district’s budget constraints are forcing these structures to remain vacant, creating complications for both students and staff.

Authorities report that the British Columbia region is increasingly relying on modular buildings to accommodate growing enrollment numbers. However, the Surrey District Parent Advisory Council is raising alarms over the hefty expense of removing the old portables. “The province is not providing any funds to cover that cost,” the council stated, highlighting a critical issue in school funding.

Gary Tymoschuk, Chair of the Surrey Board of Education, voiced concerns over the impact of the portables on school facilities. “We’ve requested that when new additions are budgeted for, they should be funded by the province,” he stated. “But the province has not budgeted for or paid for any portable moves, relocations, or removals.”

Currently, these outdated portables are occupying valuable space on playfields and parking lots, hindering students’ access to recreational areas and complicating staff parking. “It takes away from the opportunity for kids to play,” Tymoschuk emphasized, underscoring the negative impact on school life.

The situation is compounded by the response from the provincial government. Lisa Beare, British Columbia’s Minister of Education and Child Care, acknowledged that the removal of portables should be included in school districts’ operating costs. “We’re going to continue to work with districts,” Beare stated, assuring that the Ministry of Infrastructure will collaborate with local authorities to address their pressing infrastructure needs.

With the school year already underway, families and staff are left to navigate the challenges posed by these unused structures, raising questions about how the district will secure necessary funding for the removals. As the school board seeks solutions, the urgency for action is palpable.

What happens next? Local officials are calling for immediate provincial support to alleviate these financial burdens, as the district continues to face the reality of an overcrowded school environment. The community is urged to stay informed as discussions unfold regarding potential funding solutions and the future of Surrey’s educational infrastructure.

Parents and community members are encouraged to share their thoughts on this pressing issue, as the district works to find a resolution that prioritizes student well-being and effective use of school facilities.