Parents and students are banding together Thursday for a rally and barbecue to support the drive for new West Shore schools.

The event is 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Belmont secondary on Jacklin Road on June 16.

The Sooke School District has been lobbying the Ministry of Education for years to fund buildign two new high schools on the West Shore. A rapidly growing population and aging Belmont are the primary drivers.

B次元官网网址淪tudents and parents want to keep awareness out there,B次元官网网址� said Stephanie Longstaff, president of the Sooke District ParentsB次元官网网址� Advisory Council. B次元官网网址淲e were supposed to know in May this year. We want to hear an answer from the ministry B次元官网网址� yes, no or otherwise.B次元官网网址�

A lack of a decision also makes it difficult to budget maintenance on Belmont and prompted student Ravi Parmar to organize a student walkout a few weeks ago.

B次元官网网址淗opefully we can get the community out there to show support,B次元官网网址� Longstaff said. B次元官网网址淲e want the MinistryB次元官网网址檚 OK.B次元官网网址�