Editor: Re: Don't take knife to DSS cafeteria, April 18 I am the parent of a special needs son in the culinary arts program at Delta Secondary and also of a past graduate who went on to become a chef.
This program is vital. When it was time to choose an "elective," there was very little choice for my son. He chose the culinary arts originally because he wanted to be like his sister.
The program has helped him tremendously. He now helps in the kitchen at home, making his meals, cleaning the tables and dishes, etc. This is a life skill that will always be with him.
He also regularly helps with the recycling and restocking of items in the cafeteria. More than just skills or experience for future employment, it allowed Jamie the opportunity to work alongside "typical" students and to gain acceptance.
He wants to work in a restaurant after graduation and if nothing else, the DSS program has given him a chance to dream about his future like all graduates.
I am interested if the school board is also considering cancelling the photography, shop or automotive programs? None of these are core programs but in reality they provide valuable education and skills to those who may not wish or be able to continue postsecondary education. That is equally as important as educating those future doctors and lawyers.
The article stated that getting rid of the program would result in a savings of $25,000. I hold a degree in restaurant management, have owned a restaurant in the past and currently own my own accounting business. I am appalled that for such a small savings the board is considering closing an entire program.
There are many ways to make this program at least break-even, if not profitable. Consider raising the prices slightly, getting community sponsorship (such as Sharkey's) or having the students run a small local catering program within the main one. I would be interested in taking a closer look at the allocated budget and see what could be done.
What does farming out the cafeteria to a business rather than keep it in-house teach our students? It teaches them the board's priority is numbers, not education.
A private company would only take over a cafeteria if it was profitable. It would potentially raise the prices and cut down on the quality, etc. Why should a private company benefit financially instead of the students and school? What happens to the current teaching staff? What happens to those future chefs and hospitality workers? I ask the school board to at least consider giving the program one more year and let it try to make up the shortfall. There are only a handful of schools offering such a program.
Let's remember that a well-rounded education includes the arts.
Pamela Winthrope
