The Upper Canada District School Board’s plan to potentially close up to 29 schools in Eastern Ontario still stands. Last night at a board meeting, the debates of three school board trustees fell on deaf ears. Ward 4 Trustee John McAllister put forward the motion to rescind the original motion to move forward with the plan. McAllister cited ten reasons in total apposing the school closure plan, with local economic impact, demographic transportation struggles, and strong historical ties as just a few of his arguments. McAllister now believes the community needs to come forward if there is any hope of retaining the schools in their respective communities.
Ward 6 Trustee and Prescott representative, Lisa Swan, believes the school board should be seeking input from the community before any further action is taken with the current proposed plan. McAllister sees it as a long fight ahead.
The three trustees in favour of rescinding the motion were Ward 4 rep. John McAllister, Ward 6 rep. Lisa Swan, and Ward 9 rep. Wendy MacPherson.
Among the long list of schools slated for potential closure, Maynard P.S. and South Edwardsburgh P.S. in Prescott, and Benson P.S. in Edwardsburgh-Cardinal could close.
A final vote on the plan will be held March 23, 2017.
