Reversal on school closures a big win for communities: OPSEU

SUDBURY, ON, Nov. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - A decision yesterday to abandon plans to close several schools in the Sudbury area is a decisive victory for the community groups that fought to keep them open, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) said today.

"The announcement that the school board will keep eight schools open in our communities is a testament to the tenacity of parents, trustees, grassroots groups and organized labour," said Felicia Fahey, an OPSEU Executive Board Member. "In the face of this wall of resistance, it's not surprising that the Rainbow District School Board backed off on a plan that would have devastated communities and the families who rely on a strong, local public education system.

"OPSEU was extremely proud to lend our support to the efforts of so many groups and individuals."

Under the school board's revised plan, some of the schools that faced closure will be merged under one roof inside two schools, still planned for construction.  Students from elementary schools that had been targeted for closure will move into existing secondary schools in the area.

The victory to keep schools open in the Sudbury area followed months of campaigning by a host of community and labour groups, and public figures. Many travelled to Toronto this week to protest outside the legislature at Queen's Park. They were joined there by dozens of residents from other parts of Ontario where local school boards have threatened to shutter schools.

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas, who spoke at this week's rally, paid tribute to those in the Sudbury area who fought against the closures. He called them an inspiration to others around the province who face similar battles.

"We are seeing a rising spirit of activism right across this province, and there's no better example of that than what we witnessed yesterday," he said. "Whether northern Ontarians are fighting school and hospital closings, high electricity rates, or to keep Hydro One in public hands, you can always count on these folks to fight the good fight for the public good."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Felicia Fahey 705-919-4105