The SAVE OSCVI group has now opened a storefront at 817 2nd Ave. E. right across from Owen Sound City Hall.
The group say it's struggling to keep up with calls and inquiries from concerned residents .
Spokesperson Judy Keeling of the Community Committee says they are now trying to ensure every OSCVI parent has a chance to sign a parent petition as part of the appeal process.
“We decided a few days ago that it would be easier if people had a central location to come with their questions and concerns, and to sign the petitions,” said Judy Keeling, a member of the SAVE OSCVI community committee. “We were delighted to be offered a great space to help keep the community organized.”
If successful, she says the Request for an Administrative Review would result in a reset of the Bluewater District School Board Accommodation Review process.
She says the board could then go back to the community for more thorough and transparent consultations.
Keeling says feeling range from disappointment to shock to outrage over the Board's sudden decision to close the school and house all secondary students in Owen Sound at West Hill Secondary.
“This community was never consulted about the proposal to close OSCVI,”said Keeling. “I can tell you that there are a lot of people with a lot to say.”
“The Ministry guidelines give a timeline of 24 to 30 months to close or amalgamate a school,” said Keeling. “After months of re-affirming that the grade 7 to 12 model (at both West Hill and OSCVI) was the preferred proposal, the Board sprung the OSCVI closure on the community at the last minute: after any opportunity for public consultation had closed."
She adds, "By contrast, the Meaford ARC spent two years exploring options before arriving at the decision to create a JK to 12 school in that community. The SAVE OSCVI group has spent the past few weeks reviewing every detail of the ARC process, and had a lengthy meeting with Education Minister Liz Sandals at Queens Park last week."
“We’re asking for a year. That’s all,” said Keeling. “If this is such a brilliant decision, then it will stand up to a review by the community.”
Keeling points out, however, that closing West Hill and moving all students to OSCVI would save an estimated $20 million to $30 million over the current proposal.
“If it’s just the money they’re measuring,” added Keeling.
Parents of current OSCVI students are urged to contact the group at (519) 376-0674 or stop by the SAVE OSCVI office at any time to sign the Parent Petition. Concerned community members are encouraged to sign the Community Petition if they have not already done so. Those numbers are now reaching around 2500, according to Keeling.
The new space is expected to be open every day during business hours and some evening.
People can also bring photos of the school, students and activities over the years for everyone to enjoy.
