Dear Editor:
Re: Schools, traffic and housing affordability.
When my mom was a teacher in small-town Saskatchewan during the war, the school board arranged a local home where she could board.
Some schools had attached “teacherage” accommodation. These were necessary because there was no other option available: no rental apartments or “starter” homes affordable on a teacher’s salary.
Now, in big-town North Vancouver, we are facing a similar dilemma which could have a dire effect on our schools.
Imagine you are a young teacher looking for a job; given a choice between working in a school near where you can live, or one on the wrong side of a notorious traffic snarl, what would you choose?
I think increasing numbers of talented people are going to cross School District 44 off their list as being too expensive and too difficult to access, greatly reducing the pool of potential staff, and the vital variety needed for great schools.
Housing prices are not going to crash, school salaries are not going to quadruple and commuting across the Ironworkers will always be fraught with delay, so some radical action is required.
What if the school district used some of its lands to build staff accommodation? What if school employees had the option of a low-cost apartment within walking distance of work?
Think of the time and money saved, and the profound difference it could make for a young teacher – a chance to get by without a car, to put aside some cash for a down payment and to know that North Vancouver really values what they do.
What would the risks be? I can’t think of any, as the school district would still own the land and the rents would be set to service the cost of construction. There should be little or no effect on the overall budget, but the gains in morale, recruitment and the long-term health of our schools would be priceless.
Craig Johnston
Deep Cove
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