SD57 receives over 2,000 respondents to KRSS naming questionnaire

Student data indicates that 30 per cent of students in the district are Indigenous, and the idea of the name change to Shas Ti would lead to those students feeling represented and supported in their learning environments.

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The motion was moved and carried unanimously by Board Trustees to look into the consideration, however, the motion was met with public surprise, confusion, frustration, protest and support. It was then that SD57 communicated a need to engage with the public for feedback on the motion to rename KRSS to Shas Ti.

The online questionnaire for public participation was launched on March 20 and closed on April 17, 2020. Within the four-week period, a total of 2,707 people responded to the questionnaire. 2,660 used the online submission method, 35 by phone-in, and 12 people printed and mailed in their responses to the School Board Office.

With those that responded, the School District found that the largest majority of respondents (68 per cent) believe the name should stay as Kelly Road Secondary School.

According to the data, the majority of those who responded to the questionnaire stated they are heavily invested in the final outcome of the School District No. 57 Board of Trustees’ decision. In fact, a total of 89.78 per cent of respondents to the questionnaire ranked this question as having high (27.46 per cent) or very high (62.32 per cent) interest in the final decision.

One question posed to respondents through the questionnaire was where efforts could be made to recognize both the past of Shas Ti and more recent histories of John Kelly, KRSS, and the current experiences of students who’ve attended over its 60-year timeframe.

As per the report, popular ideas included adopting a new mascot, renaming the gym or library (Shas Ti or John Kelly), as well as initiating some Shas Ti student awards and/or scholarships.

The age range of respondents was between under 12 (0.23 per cent) and over 75 (1.5 per cent) years of age. The largest demographic was made up of those in the 35-54 years categories and accounted for 47.86 per cent of the total respondents. Those who identified as students (13-17 years of age) made up 4.86 per cent of respondents to the survey. 74 people chose not to answer.

Of the 2,707 respondents, the largest number of respondents— 60 per cent —identified as being from the Hart community of Prince George. Other respondent areas included representation from all Prince George neighbourhoods (Downtown, Bowl, College Heights, Central), the Shelly Reserve; provincially: Mackenzie, Shuswap Lake, Vancouver Island, nationally: Calgary, AB, Ottawa ON, and internationally: Missouri, USA.

Now, School District 57’s Board of Education Trustees will take this data and form their final decision for the new school at their Regular Public Meeting on April 28, 2020.

The school is scheduled to be opening in time for the new school year in September.