VIDEO: Beautiful new Upper Mission school leaves Rutland feeling snubbed

The new Canyon Falls Middle School in Kelowna's Upper Mission is getting accolades, but it's hard not to wince when you see it from the perspective of Rutland Middle School.

While Upper Mission students enjoy a stunning new school that provides what Education Minister Rob Fleming calls a "21st-century learning environment," students at Rutland Middle have returned to a school that is 71 years old and looks that way.

Wow! Canyon Falls Middle School opening for students this school year. pic.twitter.com/zxK5sW1qLL

— Ryan Stierman (@stiermania) August 30, 2019

As students walk through the doors of a brand-new Canyon Falls Middle School, said the minister, "they are entering a learning environment that gives them the best chance to thrive under BC's new curriculum."

But over at Rutland Middle School, which features no fewer than 12 re-purposed portables, parents are pushing for their kids to be given the same chance to thrive.

"As the PAC president of RMS, I cannot help but feel envious," said RMS PAC President Marie Howell. "Children are supposed to be attending public schools that are equivalent."

Howell has been continuing a lobbying effort on behalf of Rutland Middle School that's been getting nowhere despite 11 years of trying.

"The lack of progress for a new RMS has been extremely disappointing to our community."

"Although I realize Canyon Falls and the lake country middle school are needed due to growth," said Howell, "it is hard not to be unhappy when the students at RMS, Glenmore, and Raymer Elementary are not attending school buildings that are of the same standards."

We spoke with Howell outside RMS last November. Not much has changed since then.