Students Rally to Save South Surrey-White Rock Learning Centre

A group of dedicated students from the South Surrey-White Rock Learning Centre has made headlines for their passionate efforts to prevent the closure of their school. Despite their determination, the Surrey school board approved a budget in May that included the closure of the learning centre as part of a broader plan to manage funding challenges and overcrowding in the district.

The students’ fight has sparked conversations about the impact of such closures, particularly for those who rely on the unique support offered at learning centres. This story was initially published on January 10, 2025, as part of a retrospective on remarkable individuals in the community.

One of the students, Prasayis Hotti, shared her transformative experience at the learning centre. At 18 years old, she expressed how the school provided her with hope when she felt lost. “I never thought I could be something or be someone,” Hotti recalled. “Ever since I came to this school, I realized that I could actually be somebody.” Hotti now aspires to be a flight attendant, a stark contrast to her previous feelings of hopelessness.

The impending closure is particularly distressing as the lease on the South Surrey-White Rock site is set to expire in June. According to Gary Tymoschuk, chair of the Surrey school board, the decision was made due to the building’s need for significant renovations and the district’s ongoing funding issues. In lieu of the learning centre, students will be directed to alternative programs at local secondary schools, including Earl Marriott, Elgin, Semiahmoo, and Grandview Heights.

Spirit Broomfield, a 16-year-old Grade 11 student, voiced her fears about the transition. “I would be a drop-out if not for the learning centre,” she said, highlighting the personal stakes involved. The centre serves students who may struggle in mainstream environments, often due to mental health challenges, bullying, or other personal circumstances.

The closure of the South Surrey-White Rock Learning Centre is part of a series of changes across the Surrey school district aimed at addressing budget constraints and overcrowding. Other learning centres, such as the Guildford Learning Centre, have already merged with the North Surrey Learning Centre, resulting in cost savings for the district. The City Central Learning Centre is also set to close and will reopen as an elementary school, leaving students from that centre uncertain about their future placements.

The announcement of the closure came through an official letter from the district on January 8, prompting strong emotional reactions from students. Octavia Macdonald, a 17-year-old student, expressed feelings of neglect from the school board. “It feels like they don’t care about us,” she said. “Without this school, I probably would’ve dropped out or worse.” Macdonald plans to graduate this year but emphasizes the need for the centre to remain open for future students who require similar support.

The board’s decision has been framed within the context of financial necessity, with Tymoschuk stating that the support will be maintained in the new programs. “We’ll make sure there will be structured programming that meets their needs,” he assured. Despite this, many students remain skeptical about the adequacy of the alternative options.

The situation has drawn attention from local politicians. Trevor Halford, the MLA for Surrey-White Rock, has called on the provincial government to provide funding to prevent the centre’s closure. “The Learning Centre provides a lifeline for students who’ve fallen through the cracks of the mainstream system,” he stated in a press release on January 13. Halford emphasized the importance of investing in solutions that work for students with diverse needs.

For many students at the learning centres, returning to mainstream schools is a daunting prospect. Hotti articulated this fear, expressing concerns about being perceived as less capable. Jordyn Dempster, another student, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the supportive environment at the learning centre has significantly improved her educational experience. “Here I feel like I can be myself and no one will judge me,” she said.

As the students continue to advocate for their school, they are exploring options to engage with the school board in search of a more suitable solution. Broomfield pointed out the misconceptions surrounding learning centres, urging that they are not simply for “bad kids” or dropouts but for those who need additional support to succeed.

The ongoing dialogue surrounding the South Surrey-White Rock Learning Centre highlights a critical issue in education: the need for support systems that address the diverse challenges faced by students. The outcome of this situation will significantly impact not only the current students but also the future of educational support in the Surrey area.