The Near North District School Board is calling on the province to ensure rural elementary schools stay open.
Howard Wesley, the board’s Vice Chair, brought forth the motion to the school board’s meeting on October 10 which asks the Ministry of Education not to exercise their authority granted by Bill 98 for the closure of rural elementary schools.
Passed earlier this year, Bill 98, dubbed the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, amends the Education Act when it comes to when a board may or must sell, lease or otherwise dispose of a school site, part of a school site or school property, and gives the Minister regulation-making powers, among others, over such dispositions.
According to Wesley, rural elementary schools serve as a hub for educational, cultural, and community activities and fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
In addition, despite a previously declining enrolment, he says the Board has demonstrated exceptional operational efficiency and worked closely with the Ministry of Education to maintain the operation of rural elementary schools.
This comes after the board was required to close and integrate two rural elementary schools to secure funding for Parry Sound’s incoming JK to Grade 12 school.