Primary school likely to lose third grade

The Point Roberts Primary School will most likely lose its third grade class this fall, according to Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger. He announced the district’s plan to harmonize the Point Roberts school with the Blaine primary school during a Supper with the Superintendent event January 17 at the school.

Granger said it made sense to have Point Roberts students transition into elementary school at the same time as the rest of the student body instead of delaying for a year. In addition, the state rules governing remote and necessary schools such as the Point Roberts Primary School require schools to offer the same grades as similar schools operated by the district.

Approximately 20 people attended the supper including Granger, his wife and two daughters who brought pizza for the assembled parents. One bone of contention was raised by parents who believd a transitional kindergarten would be offered in January.

Granger apologized for the mixed signals, saying he took responsibility for the miscommunication. He pointed out that while the state had changed the rules on the fly, the district never intended to offer the program anywhere other than the main campus.