Surrey parent speaks out about specialized learning centre closure

A local father says he is devastated over the news that a specialized learning centre that his daughter attends will be closing in the upcoming school year.

In a letter to students and families, the Surrey School District announced a closure of the South Surrey White Rock Learning Centre on Thursday.

Keith Chalmers says his daughter — who struggles with ADHD and anxiety — faced several difficulties when she was in the mainstream school system.

He says she was at risk of dropping out before she enrolled in the learning centre, and is now doing much better.

“[She] is now getting A’s in the same school curriculum. She’s getting A’s in calculus, law, English, the same subjects she was failing,” Chalmers said.

“She’s thriving.”

The centre has been crucial for her education and self-esteem, he says.

“They’re given a lot of space to work on their own,” Chalmers said.

“They help them. The teachers are there because they care.”

Gary Tymoschuk, chair of the Surrey Board of Education, says closing the learning centre was a hard decision, but the district didn’t have the funding available to accommodate the number of repairs needed and an increase in the lease costs.

“We’re just not getting the same rate of funding coming in each year that accommodates all of the expenses,” he said.

“The expenses, frankly, are rising at a faster pace than the money that’s coming into the district is rising.”

The Surrey School District says it will work with school administrators to ensure a smooth transition for all students.

“We will make sure that there are resources in place for these students who are transitioning from the learning centers,” he said.

With files from Michelle Meiklejohn and Maria Vinca.