There are some very happy people in the Markdale and Paisley areas, after their elementary schools were given a new lease on life.
In the case of Beavercrest Community School in Markdale, Bluewater School Board staff had recommended the school close this June. But trustees accepted a plan that has the Municipality of Grey Highlands and Chapman's Ice Cream contributing toward the costs to keep the school open.
Trustees have given them until June 2019 to work out the details with the board.
Beavercrest parent Michelle Patey is pleased with staff's recommendation and the trustees decision.
"They've obviously been listening and they're willing to work with our community and encouraging the board to work with us to support our students and support our community and we're thrilled, just thrilled tonight," says Patey.
Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen says it shows what a united and committed community can accomplish.
Chapman's Ice Cream also committed $2-million to go towards building a new school in Markdale. Board staff will pursue that option with the province.
And for Paisley Central School, the board's Committee of the Whole has accepted a staff recommendation that could give it another few years. It had been scheduled to close in June of 2018.
The board has given the community until March 2019 to come up with money to cover costs of capital repairs. If that goal is reached, Paisley Central stays open. If not, it closes in June 2019. However board trustees will make the final decision.
Paisley parent Alicia Gibbons is pleased with the board's decision, but says there is still plenty of work to raise the money.
"So happy to say OK they're finally listening. However it was not an end it's merely the beginning. We need to continue to have our community groups in place and be meeting all of the time to make sure all of the criteria is being met," says Gibbons.
Arran Elderslie has committed to renting part of Paisley Central to help cover operating costs. Mayor Paul Eagleson has reservation about the board's decision, considering all the details that still have to be worked out.
These two decisions by the board's Committee of the Whole still have to be finalized at a full board meeting. The next one is scheduled for April 18.