Here is the problem the Bluewater District School Board is trying to solve:

"To summarize from the lnitial Staff Report, the 1,470 surplus spaces in the Owen Sound Area Group of Schools has resulted in net operating losses of $66,000 in 2013-14 and is estimated to grow to $345,760 in 2016-17. There is a five year capital renewal backlog of $49 million. Continuing with the current configuration of schools is unsustainable."

And here is the "Supporting Rationale" for the recommendations in the Final Staff Report:

"We have heard many conversations that have recognized the need for an accommodation solution. The community was able to suggest enhanced options for us to consider. The following support the recommendedsingle grade 9-12 secondary school option:

• Provides a Iong-term sustainable solution to the declining enrolment and accommodation issues

in the Owen Sound Area Group of Schools where it wou.ld be unlikely to have to re-visit in the
near future.

• Provides the opportunity to enhance secondary programming at a single consolidated K-12secondary school.

• Affords the time to make the necessary renovations at OSCVI to accommodate Bayview Public School and Sydenham Community School students.

• Maintains K-8 French lmmersion programming at one location.
• Further improves utilization and annual school operations financial position (from the lnitial Staff Report).

• Eliminates an estimated 1580 spaces, which creates a better position than the lnitial Staff Report. This is greater than the number of surplus spaces referenced in the lnitial Staff Report as the result of students being moved to schools outside the Owen Sound area group of schools.
• Eliminates $16.5 M in school renewal backlog.
• Creates a fully utilized secondary school that will provide the opportunity to construct a business case to apply to the ministry for a new secondary school in the future.
• Minimizes transportation changes to routes, time on bus and costs.
• Provides time to seek partnership opportunities at OSCVI, including daycare facilities, and possible relocation of the Ontario Early Years program.
• Allows for continued use and high utilization of our newest school buildings (OSCVI and Alexandra).
• Allows most students from Derby Public school to attend a rural school.
• OSCVI Auditorium will continue to be part of our Owen Sound community and of BWDSB. OSCVI has available space for parking and an elementary projected bus loop.
• Dufferin Elementary School will be consolidated in 2017-18 when enrolment aligns within Hillcrest Elementary School capacity.
• Creates a fully utilized Hillcrest Elementary School in 2017-18 that will provide the opportunity/business case to apply to the ministry for a new Hillcrest Elementary School in the future.

source: Accomodation Review, Owen Sound Area Schools, Final Staff Report