In an effort to save a few rural schools from closing, a trustee with the Lambton-Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is proposing they work with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB) to find a solution.
Trustee Jack Fletcher says he would like to have the LKDSB and the SCCDSB meet and come up with ideas on how to keep more rural schools open. One of the possible solutions Fletcher is proposing, is to have the public and catholic students share school buildings.
"We have schools almost side-by-side, yet we're looking at closing schools and busing students to a central location," he says. "If we can save a school and share that school -- it can work and it has worked in some other areas."
Fletcher adds he doesn't want to limit the range of possible solutions the school boards can come up with, but the first step is having them discuss options.
"I do know that the rural communities are really quite concerned about not having a school in their area and that's what has prompted me to put this motion forward," he says. "It's just a beginning phase and hopefully it will lead to some really good idea as to how we service our communities."
Fletcher says he's unaware on if a motion such as this has come up in the past with the LKDSB, but he remains optimistic that his motion will have the support of other trustees.
"I'm looking forward to seeing if the motion is going to be passed or not -- I think it will be, because it's in an exploratory state and I think that's a good beginning," he says.
Members of the LKDSB will vote on Fletcher's motion Tuesday night.
-With files from Matt Weverink