News Release
Councillor Smith Urges Minister, School Board Chair, to Ignore Court Decision
(Friday, June 21/2002)-- District 9 Councillor Jim Smith today urged Education Minister Jane Purves to ignore a Court ruling today upholding the decision to close Northbrook School in Dartmouth, and "do the right thing" by ordering the Halifax Regional School Board to keep it open.
Councillor Smith said the school closure also places the future of the Northbrook Community Centre in jeopardy. It is part of the school building and it could be forced to shut down, bringing to an end many programs that are being utilized by so many area residents.
"I am disappointed that the Courts have upheld a decision by the School Board to close Northbrook School. Today is a sad day for the community of District 9. Here is another school that will close, forcing the students be split up into at least three other schools," he said.
The Councillor said the closure of Northbrook School is very frustrating for parents, because they have no idea now where their children will be attending school in September until after the new school boundaries are re-drawn.
He said "This is a school that should not be closed. The School Board must re-consider how valuable and much-needed this school is to the community. The Courts may see no technical flaws in the School Board's decision, but surely Education Minister Jane Purves and the Chairman of the School Board can see the procedural wrongs that took place. This school community was not treated fairly and should be given due consideration by keeping Northbrook School open."
" I am calling upon the Minister of Education and the Halifax Regional School Board to do the right thing and ignore the Court's decision and keep Northbrook School open, " he concluded.
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Councillor Jim Smith
(902) 488-4809
