The Town of Essex is taking its fight to save Harrow High to the Ministry of Education.
Earlier this week the town submitted a petition containing more than 300 names and a request for a formal review of the board's decision to close Harrow High last month.
The Greater Essex County District School Board is expected to file a response within 30 days.
The ministry will then have a month to determine if it wants to appoint a facilitator. This person would see if the board's accommodation review process was followed in accordance with board and ministry policies.
The town has also hired a local lawyer to review the process and trustee decision.
The town anticipates to know by mid-January if the province will appoint a facilitator.
Harrow High is scheduled to close at the end of June 2016.