After months of uncertainty, the decision has been made – Kenilworth Public School will remain open.
Though fewer KPS supporters were at the Upper Grand District School Board meeting on Feb. 24 than were at the business operations committee meeting on Feb. 10, a dedicated group braved poor winter weather to express their thanks to the board for its support and its decision.
“I want to thank the trustees for seeing the big picture,” said Mollie Loughran, a parent of a KSP student and Accommodation Review Committee (ARC) member. “I appreciate your ability to see … the heart of the issue, the rural school atmosphere.”
She cited out one trustee in particular.
“We couldn’t have done it without you Bruce (Schieck),” she said with tears in her eyes. “Your experience and confidence was motivating.”
Sonya McNabb, also a parent of a KPS student and an ARC member added her thanks from the school.
She explained that the process was a lesson for parents and their children.
“We encourage them to go after what they believe in no matter how difficult things can be, we never want them to give up so why would we give up?” she said.
McNabb also addressed UGDSB chairman Mark Bailey’s request that the community look at alternative uses for the school building when classes are not in session.
She said there are plans to use the gym for community meetings such as the North for Youth event that took place on Feb. 21.
“The Wellington North fire fighters have also been using more the grounds … for some of their training activities,” she said.
The review was long and challenging for those involved from the KPS community, the trustees and the board staff.
ARC presented a report to the business operations committee in December, making recommendations for why the school should remain open.
Then, last month the UGDSB staff presented the committee with a report recommending the school be closed.
On Feb. 10, a full gallery heard the debate about keeping the school open from committee members.
In a 9-1 recorded vote, with Marty Fairbairn opposed, Schiek’s motion to keep the school open was passed.
Trustee Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy commended KPS supporters for their decorum and professionalism while working to keep the school open.
“I deeply admire your passion and your dedication to a cause you believe in,” she said.
Schieck said he hopes this decision will improve relationships.
“(I’m) looking forward to more confidence from Wellington North in the board,” he said.
