The public has had their final say before the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) decides the fate of Sarnia's SCITS high school.
13 members of the public voiced concerns on the proposed closure of SCITS and consolidation of students at St. Clair Secondary School during the board's regular session Tuesday evening.
Chris Burley says he's frustrated SCITS supporters are patronized as "very emotional" and "full of passion," when they've presented rational fact throughout the process. He feels the message just isn't getting through to the board.
"They've basically put the blinders on, they've disregarded every bit of rational information. There's almost nothing that we as a group or as a community have been able to provide to this whole process," he says. "They've shut us out of everything and they've basically gone with the original plan."
Many speakers voiced concerns for misleading or misrepresented data presented by school board staff.
"We've tried to be very forthcoming and transparent with that," says Director of Education Jim Costello. "Obviously some people question that, which is unfortunate, but that's their right to do so."
Meanwhile, Save SCITS member Jennifer George feels as though staff have not looked into providing enough information, especially regarding scholarships, as she has asked for at past meetings.
She took it upon herself to determine what would happen if SCITS were to close.
"We have confirmed with the Catherine Wilson Foundation, the Dr. P. Gladdy scholarship and also the Reanna Pyne memorial scholarship that they would not continue if SCITS closes," says George. "That amounts to $18,500."
Trustees will vote on the proposed consolidation May 10 at Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School.
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South Plympton PS and Wyoming PS Recommendation
The LKDSB received a staff recommendation Tuesday night to consolidate South Plympton Public School at the Wyoming Public School site in September 2017.
Director of Education Jim Costello says they listened to the public, changing the original recommendation from September of this year.
He says the new school would be Kindergarten to Grade 8, offering many benefits in the newly combined school.
"All the students will be together, it'll reduce the transitions, be easier for brothers and sisters, and better for the staff. So we think the advantages are very evident," says Costello. "The only downside is there's a bit of a transportation issue, but we can work, we think, to resolve that."
Public delegations on the proposed consolidation will take place at the board's May 10 meeting with a final decision expected May 24.
