Trustee proposes investigating environmentally friendly schools
Sep 10, 2008 - 08:00 AM
By Crystal Crimi
DURHAM -- The public school board is looking into what it takes to build a green school.
A mild, generic investigation into the construction costs, ongoing savings, and what classifies a school as "green," will be undertaken by Durham District School Board staff, following its Sept. 2 standing committee meeting.
"I commend your effort to make all schools more environmental all around," said Student Trustee Ian Chislett of Henry Street High School, during the meeting.
The investigation was proposed after Whitby Trustee John Dolstra suggested looking into what can be done for the Whitby Shores area, in light of it being a sensitive conservation area and in line for a new school.
About five years ago, the board wanted to build an environmentally friendly school, but the cost was phenomenal - more than $14 million, Trustee Dolstra said. Although the board has limited funding, maybe it's time to approach the Province for more funds for this kind of thing, he said.
Oshawa Trustee Michael Barrett was quick to throw caution to the wind. Although Whitby Shores is a unique community, so is every other school community, he said. Whether it's built in north Ajax, Seaton in Pickering, or Taunton Road in Oshawa, there is lots of opportunity for green schools, and priority shouldn't go to one that sits in a marsh, Mr. Barrett said.
He would also be reluctant to build a green school that takes money away from renovations.
"There are children in my communities that do not have a gym to call home," Trustee Barrett said.
But if it's something the government is pursuing, he supports looking at more than just Whitby.
"I didn't come and ask the board for extra money," Trustee Dolstra said. He suggested asking the government.
Oshawa Trustee Kathleen Hopper was leery even about that.
"You may end up with more money for your green schools but less money for your programs," she said, and added there's still a limited amount of money overall for everything.
Pickering Trustee Sherry Croteau asked Trustee Dolstra what makes the difference between a $10 million school and a $16 million school.
"What is it that makes that difference and what makes it environmentally appeasing to the schools we've built before," Trustee Croteau said.
She'd be happy to see information brought forward, as long as its generic and could be applied to all Durham schools or new schools.
"I think it would benefit our board to take a look at this and see at this stage in the game, what it would cost," Ajax Trustee Lisa Hill said.
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