French school parents concerned about music room, lab delays

Some parents of children attending the French Language school in Summerside are concerned about delays in getting a music room and a technology and trades lab at the school.

The president of the parents council of École-sur-Mer said students have waited long enough, through 18 months of negotiations between the department and the school board.

Gilles Benoit said the students used to be bused to an English school in the city for those special programs, but that's not happening this year.

He is worried some students may opt to go to schools with more resources. 

So he said the addition must happen soon.

"We are asking that the department of education, through the minister, take a look personally and that he resolve the matter since it has been going on now for almost two years," said Benoit.

"And we as parents say it's not acceptable. Kids should have the same opportunity in French as they have in the other language."

Benoit said the parents council wants to meet with MLAs in the area and the province's minister of education.

Robert Maddix, chair of the French Language school board, said the additional space for a music room and technology and trades area is needed because the school now goes from kindergarten to Grade 9. He said the older junior high students require more space.

Maddix said the board is meeting with the Department of Education later this month to further discuss the need for the addition.

Department of Education officials say discussions are underway with the French Language School Board, but they have no further comment.