While B.C.’s Education minister hints at help to come to ease the classroom crunch in Kamloops on at least the Valleyview Secondary front the news on the elementary school need is less certain.

Rob Fleming says his ministry will certainly work with the Kamloops Thompson School District on re-opening Westsyde Elementary.

Fleming adds funding might be available for additions to existing elementary schools.

What about building new ones? Something the school district desperately needs, especially in Pineview Valley.

“Those things are under discussion. I think it helps that your district is being very proactive. I know they were just sworn in very recently. After the election they are already signing off on the long range facilities plan. That is a critical piece because it guides a longer term vision. I appreciate that Kamloops is not asking for a lot of nice things to have they are asking for things the district needs.”

As the district grapples with major capacity issues it is planning on adding 24 more portables in the next five years.

Fleming admits that is “far from ideal.”