The SAVE OSCVI group has opened a storefront at 817 2nd Avenue East: directly across the street from Owen Sound city hall.
The group has been struggling to keep up with calls and inquiries from area residents who are concerned about the abrupt decision to close Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institute. "We decided a few days ago that it would be easier if people had a central location to come with their questions and concerns, and to sign the petitions," said Judy Keeling, a retired OSCVI teacher and member of the SAVEOSCVI community committee. "We were delighted to be offered a great space to help keep the community organized."
"Right now, our priority is to ensure that every single OSCVI parent has an opportunity to sign the "Parent Petition" which forms part of the appeal process," said Keeling. The Request for an Administrative Review would – if successful – result in a "reset" of the Board's much-criticized process, and force them to go back to the community for what Keeling calls a "more thorough and transparent" consultation with the community.
While many parents have already signed the "Parent Petition", the group wants to ensure that every parent or guardian has a chance to be part of the appeal.
The storefront space is expected to be open every day during business hours, and into the evenings, when possible. Concerned parents and community members can check in regularly to see what's happening, and to get information on the process and activities. They are also encouraged to bring copies of photographs of OSCVI, its students, and activities over the years for the students to enjoy and explore.
"This community was never consulted about the proposal to close OSCVI," said Keeling. "I can tell you that there are a lot of people with a lot to say."
The SAVE OSCVI group has spent the past few weeks reviewing every detail of the ARC process, and had a lengthy meeting with Education Minister Liz Sandals at Queens Park last week. "We're asking for a year. That's all," said Keeling.
Parents of current OSCVI students are urged to contact the group at 519-376-0674 or stop by the SAVE OSCVI office at any time to sign the Parent Petition. Concerned community members are encouraged to sign the Community Petition if they have not already done so. Those numbers are now reaching around 2500, according to Keeling: representing roughly one quarter of the population of Owen Sound.
