This letter is in regards to the article published in the Trail Daily Times and BCLocalNews.com on Oct. 19 titled, “Trail School Chosen for New Program,” written by Timothy Schafer.
The article incorrectly reported that LIFT Philanthropy Partners has selected the Trail Middle School for the expansion of the Take a Hike program. This has not occurred.
While the School District No. 20 (SD20) Board of Education and Take a Hike Foundation are in preliminary stages of discussion regarding a potential expansion, no decision has been made and no promises of funding have been committed.
SD20 has made the Take a Hike Foundation aware it is interested in exploring the possibility of being part of the Take a Hike expansion project.
As a result of these discussions, the Foundation will begin conducting a community assessment as part of its formal community qualification process. To that end, members of the Take a Hike team will be visiting Trail later this month. Before a decision on a potential partnership regarding the expansion of Take a Hike to Trail is made, both the Take a Hike Foundation and the Board of Education must agree the program is the right fit for the community, the staff and the students.
It is my hope you can clarify these inaccuracies with your readers.
Kim Williams
Director of Student Support Services
SD 20 (Kootenay - Columbia)