Politicians in Tecumseh are thrilled the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board supports phasing in French Immersion at the now closed St. Gregory Catholic Elementary School.
Last spring, the board rejected the proposal. But last night, trustees had a change of heart and voted to approve it in principle. It also voted to support a phase-in at St. Joseph's Catholic Elementary School in River Canard on the border between LaSalle and Amherstburg.
Mayor Gary McNamara says schools are high on the list of priorities for young families looking to relocate. He calls it a bonus for the entire community. "We see tremendous growth in the area but also it'll help the schools that are close by especially our high schools."
Mike Rohrer, now a Tecumseh town councillor, fought to keep St. Gregory open. He calls it Christmas come early. "I'm delighted," he says. "This has been a 15-month journey and struggle, and we demonstrated over a 15-month period there was a need for French Immersion."