The Real Case for Rural Schools

Below is Simcoe-Grey MPP - Jim Wilson's riding report on the case for rural schools in our riding. In Blue is my view as to what Mr. Wilson is attempting to say:

                                    The case for rural schools

Contrary to popular belief, there are times when I agree with Dalton McGuinty.  His commitment not to close rural schools was a good one.  The trouble is he didn't keep it. 

Well Mr. Wilson I agree with you on that point...

In 2002 he said what a lot of people believe.  "If a rural community loses a school, it's not the same as shutting one down in downtown Toronto where there's another one six blocks away. What you're doing is robbing the community of an important component. It's the heart and soul of a community. If you don't have a school, it's really tough to attract and to hold on to young families."  I couldn't have said it better myself.

That's right, a school makes up a community, it's the heart and soul of a community. Yet where are you for the people of Wasaga Beach who have been fighting to get a high school since the time your party was in power???

In 2007, after four years as Premier, with enrolment and financial data at his fingertips, he made a clear commitment.  "Rural schools help keep communities strong, which is why we're not only committed to keeping them open-but strengthening them."

In light of this unmistakable guarantee, why have there even been discussions about closing Elmvale District High School, Stayner Collegiate Institute, Duntroon Central, Byng Public School, Nottawa Elementary and so on.  Why was Tecumseth North Elementary allowed to close?    

Trust me I'm in no way sticking up for the Premier, but back in 2007 the Province was in surplus, the economy was doing great, and then we were hit with a world wide recession, the surplus turned into a 19 billion deficit, and something had to be done. So yes some schools were closed, and some are under review. Does it make any sense to keep a school open when you only have 95 students? Does it make sense to have 3 grades being taught by the same teacher at the same time? What type of education would a grade 2 student receive when they are in a class with a grade 5? 

It appears it is because Dalton McGuinty doesn't consider schools in our area to be rural.  That's ridiculous.  As I wrote in a letter to him last week, "The municipalities in my riding belong to the Rural Ontario Municipal Association.  The headquarters of the Rural Ontario Medical Program is situated not far outside of Duntroon in Collingwood.  We have a low population density and a vast agricultural community."

Schools are often the anchor of the neighbourhood and a vital piece of the local economy.  In rural communities, it's more than just enrolment numbers.  It is about attracting and retaining young families.  Once you close a school, it's really hard to get one back.

Well said Mr. Wilson, but why when you were presented with a petition with 5000 signatures back in 2007 from the parents of kids in Wasaga Beach, and business owners you did nothing? Is it because you get more voters from Springwater where Elmvale is located, and Clearview where Duntroon, and Stayner are located that you've done nothing to help the voters and their families in Wasaga Beach.

When I met with local families at Duntroon Central Public School recently, I was happy to be joined by Mayor Ken Ferguson, Deputy Mayor Alicia Savage and Councillors Orville Brown, Doug Measures and Thom Patterson.  Clearview Council clearly understands the big picture.  It's more than the parents and students of today; it's about the municipality as a whole and the viability of the communities within the township. 

Again well said Mr. Wilson, but I again need to address the fact that a full fledged community like Wasaga Beach still does not have a high school and you've done nothing to address this issue.

The situation is no different in Elmvale and Stayner.  If you close their high school then what is left?  Both communities have already lost their blood labs.  I can't accept declining access to healthcare and education in the communities I represent. 

Bingo...Last time I checked you were the MPP for Wasaga Beach as well, which is still part of Simcoe-Grey.

That's why I'm fighting back and urging people to speak up too.  School trustees in Ottawa are doing it.  They're fighting against Dalton McGuinty's broken funding promises in his own riding.  Why isn't that happening here?  Why are we accepting broken promises and orders from up high?  I got into politics to fight for the people I represent and to ensure that we get our fair share. 

Double Bingo Jim...You got into politics to fight for the people, but again it seems to me and so many others that you fight the fight based on where you can get the most votes. You know all to well that the school board, and the elected trustee's are the ones who prepare the budgets both operating and capital, and submit it to the Ministry for funding approval. 9 out of 10 times from my research the local boards get the funding they need provided they make a strong case for the funds they need. 

What would a PC government under Tim Hudak do? Would you keep all schools open even if they had 20 students?

In all my years, I've never received a phone call or a letter from a constituent asking me to help get a rural school closed.  It hasn't happened because it doesn't make sense.  Let's not accept this, let's do something about it.  You can help by writing a letter to Dalton McGuinty or by signing the petition on my website at http://www.jimwilsonmpp.com/.  

Yes Mr. Wilson let's do something about it and fight for all the schools in our riding and not the ones where you think you will get more votes.

Jim Wilson is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe-Grey