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‘It’s a tough conversation:’ SD68 to launch catchment adjustment consultations
NANAIMO — Formal public consultations are set to begin to reshape catchment areas for north Nanaimo elementary schools.
Rutherford Elementary School’s September 2025 re-opening as a K-7 school led to a draft redrawing of catchment areas, with School District 68 trustees favouring mandatory enrollment.
“It’s a tough conversation, particularly when you’re changing boundaries — I think opening a school could be as hard as closing one, frankly,” SD68 secretary treasurer Mark Walsh told NanaimoNewsNOW during a technical briefing compiled for our newsroom.
Last week, SD68 trustees unanimously approved provisional adjustments for new catchment areas, which would relieve pressure on over-capacity McGirr, Randerson Ridge, Frank J. Ney and Departure Bay schools.