Greg East and Bruce Reed questioned the Flin Flon School Board on the purchase of St. Mary’s Church across from Ruth Betts School.  They noted the space available in our schools due to the reduction in the number of students over the years and questioned the cost of the building and renovations needed to an old building to bring it up to education building standards, staff requirements and the burden placed on taxpayers.

In her report Superintendent Constance McLeese mentioned securing the building with little cash outlay due to a partnership with the Food Bank and the learning opportunities it can offer and opportunities for increasing community and parent engagement in the education system.  Looking at programming she noted they are focusing on student engagement for vocational education support and engagement for at risk students and for Aboriginal students as well as enhanced learning opportunities for all students adding the space is ready to be used.

In response to a question from East Board Chair Murray Skeavington said an agreement to purchase has not yet been signed and the Board will answer their questions on the need for the building, renovations required and costs at their next meeting.