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SD68 Capital Plan heavily linked to unknown future of Rutherford
NANAIMO — The future of a Nanaimo elementary school originally slated for closure is still very much in limbo, as funds for a planned expansion of a nearby school still haven’t materialized.
Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools trustees have approved this school year’s capital plan. Board chair Steve Rae describes it as a wish list for provincial funding, led by bringing Rutherford Elementary School seismically up to code.
The north-Nanaimo school is pegged for closure as of next June but that move is conditional on provincial funding to expand Frank J Ney Elementary.
“The will of this board is that Rutherford be the number one priority because if that school stays open, we’re going to have to spend some money and we want financial aid to do that,” says Rae.