Derby Public School parents say a decision by Bluewater District School Board trustees is breaking a promise, is a bad example for children, and goes against what a school board stands for.
Two years ago the board voted to keep Derby open for at least another five years. At last night's board meeting, trustees voted 8-2 to reverse that decision and include Derby in a new accommodation review process.
Board staff is recommending Derby close at the end of the current school year.
"The whole Bluewater School Board's character traits are about integrity, dependability, they're breaking every single trait they're trying to instill in our children," says Derby parent Sherrie Stevens.
Board chair Ron Motz says he's not worried reversing the Derby school decision will undermine the public's confidence in the board. He says it's not unusual for an elected body to change a decision made by a previous administration.
"What we had here is another board came in with different priorities and different ideas than the previous board," says Motz.
Motz says it's now time for Derby parents to get involved in the accommodation review process and make a case for keeping Derby open.
The first public meeting for input is December 3 at 7pm at Owen Sound's OSCVI.
Trustees Jim Dawson, David Mason, Marg Gaviller, Linda Hamill, Ron Motz, Stacey John, Jane Thomson, and Jan Johnstone voted in favour of reversing the previous decision.
Those who voted against reversing the previous decision were Marilyn McComb and Dan Wong.