Mayor Jim Bancroft says school closures would be devastating to South Stormont

South Stormont Ontario – The closures proposed through the Upper Canada District School Board’s Pupil Accommodation Review process will deliver a devastating blow to South Stormont, specifically the area schools of Ingleside and Long Sault.

On behalf of Council, Mayor Bancroft reported that South Stormont is appalled by the lack of foresight by the UCSDB with the potential direction suggested in the Report. A copy of the full Report is available at the municipal office or on line at www.ucdsb.on.ca.

“In 2016 small rural communities continue to be attacked by funding models approved by the provincial government and driven by school boards. The idea of closing schools in up to five local townships to assist the school board with a speculative long term potential plan to build a new school 10 to 15 years later is at best, absurd. South Stormont’s hamlets of Ingleside and Long Sault were created 60 years ago. Our residents had to relocate, understanding the hope for a new future, and these schools have been key building blocks of the communities. Sixty years later, we should not be forcing parents to change directions again with little chance in seeing any improvement of their children’s education”, said Mayor Jim Bancroft.”

The Township will continue to reach out to the businesses as well as all individual community partners. School parents and representatives in Ingleside and Long Sault must be energized to reach out to all parents and help find a solution to the current challenge of these school closures. South Stormont Council will support the communities’ efforts in every possible means at our disposal. Together we will be successful.

Mayor Jim Bancroft,
Township of South Stormont