Let’s come to the table

Dear editor:
We would like to clarify some of the issues raised by George Bliss in the Atikokan Progress of March 19/07.
First of all, we want to clearly state that our school, like every other school in this board, is proud of its history and its unique programs.
We respect the fact that schools such as Fort Frances High School have a community auditorium, paved parking lots, and evening programs serviced by contracted busing, as well as hockey and football programs which provide excellent opportunities for students.
For logical reasons, none of the aforementioned benefits exist in Atikokan.
Atikokan’s population has been declining ever since the mines closed in the late 1970s. Since then, our community has been facing a constant battle which has included the loss of many educational programs.
It is becoming more common for our students to leave Atikokan in search of opportunities which we are unable to offer.
For the past four decades, however, the students of AHS have benefited from many unique programs that capitalize on one of the things our community does have—its surrounding wilderness.
The school bus has become the key to making many of these programs successful.
For 35 years, teachers at AHS have volunteered to drive this “classroom on wheels,” which has allowed countless trips that otherwise could not have taken place.
While George Bliss raises the idea that teachers driving the bus are denying true professionals a job, one has to realize that many of these trips could not have happened due to logistics and the higher costs associated with contracting that service.
However, it is worth noting that many excellent drivers within our community have been contracted to drive the school’s bus on various trips over the years.
This leads us to our key message. The students at AHS have very limited opportunities due to our isolation and continued declining population. The loss of our school bus only will serve to further limit those opportunities.
In closing, we respect the unique qualities that exist among all the schools within our board. All we ask is that others accept our uniqueness and appreciate our desire to protect those things that make us proud.
We have worked hard to find creative, local solutions that provide motivation for our children to remain in Atikokan. Our educational leaders must recognize and support these local solutions.
Thus, we appeal to the Rainy River District School Board to recognize that the Atikokan community is deeply concerned about the removal of the school’s bus and the impact this decision will have on our children.
Can we not all come to the table in a spirit of co-operation to study the issue further and make an informed decision that is in the best interests of our children?
(Signed),
Peter and Cathy Burton
Concerned parents