The Bluewater District School Board voted to proceed with accommodation reviews of Owen Sound and area schools that will likely include school closures. This despite strong opposition from parents who packed a board meeting.
Board staff is recommending Bayview Public, Dufferin Elementary and Derby Schools close next September.
Derby parents are especially upset because two years ago they were promised the school would stay open for at least another five years.
Parent Marlissa Nyenhuis says the Board doesn't care about the kids.
"It's really the parents and really the communities that truly care about their students and we need to be involved from the very beginning and our ideas need to be heard," said Nyenhuis.
Board chair Ron Motz says parents will have plenty of opportunity for input during the accommodation review process. He says the board has no choice in closing schools.
"We still have 7000 empty spaces and a lot of them are in Owen Sound. We are going to close schools somewhere cause if we don't do it the government will."
The accommodation review process will start this fall with the formation of an accommodation review committee. At least two public meetings will happen over the winter.
There's an added twist to the Derby school situation. Because two years ago the trustees at the time passed a motion to keep Derby open for five years, that motion has to be rescinded in a formal motion before the current board.
Chair Ron Motz says If the motion to rescind fails, Derby would still be part of the new accommodation review, but with the understanding it would stay open for another three years.
However, Motz is confident the motion to rescind will pass. It's to be voted on at the next board meeting.
