Potential School Closure in South Stormont would total 7.5 million loss annually

South Stormont, Ontario – Council, at its regular meeting on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 received a report detailing the Economic Impact of Prospective School Closures in South Stormont, Ontario. The report was prepared by Doyletech Corporation, the consultant hired to review how the proposed school closures would directly and indirectly affect South Stormont, and to provide Council with addition information beyond the financial framework assumed by the Upper Canada School Board’s Report, “Building For the Future,

The nineteen page Economic Impact Report was presented by Mr. Rick Clayton of Doyletech, and provided detailed information on closure scenarios, their methodology with results, key parameters, assumptions and three case studies. The conclusion of the Economic Impact Report for South Stormont outlined the following:

• An economic grand total loss of $7.5 million annually ($4.4 million from the loss of operational spending at the schools and an additional $3.1 million as expected
  local slowdowns in residential construction);
• Permanent employment losses of 28 jobs as a minimum;
• Economic value destroyed, family disruptions caused, students’ educations being compromised and additional future dealings with special needs and “at-risk” children.

Mr. Rick Clayton of Doyletech Inc. explained to township officials, residents and business owners filling the council chambers, that the decision to close our rural schools is a significant burden to families, businesses and our local economy for many years.

“South Stormont, over the last several years, has provided 30% of new growth in all of SD&G. South Stormont continues to work with our ARC committee and school board representatives. South Stormont and our fellow SD&G neighbours are hopeful the board officials will recognize the severe impact these decisions will have on our local economy, and they be willing to find alternative solutions to closing rural schools”, said Mayor Bancroft.