Bluewater District School Board trustee Marg Gaviller cast the lone vote against the recommendation to consolidate the Board's two Owen Sound high schools. Here is the full text of her remarks at the Board's Special Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, April 12.

Without question, this is the most difficult decision I have been called upon to make in all my years on the Bluewater Board. The issue has been on my mind for the last 2 or 3 months, leading me first in one direction and then in another; it has occupied my mind at various times of any day and sometimes at night, keeping me awake. I have read all the email thoughts and opinions, and listened to all the speakers at meetings,delegations, and comments made in various situations by my community. I continually hear two opposing opinions: to combine the two secondary schools into one at West Hill or to leave both secondary schools open as Grade 7 to 12 schools. The comparative percentages are difficult to determine since they are not that far apart. In other words, there is no large preference for one merged secondary school for Owen Sound.
Regarding the proposed single large elementary school at OSCVI. This proposal arouses many concerns, in particular the resulting size of the student population. In all my time on this Board, the constant refrain has been to maintain smaller schools wherever possible. We know that elementary schools of 200 students or less are not financially viable, schools of 350 plus are. Schools of 500 are viewed as acceptable, but schools of 750 students, as an elementary OSCVI would be, are questionable. Would this be best for our students, many of whom are from rural areas where smaller schools are the preference? Is the cost of $1.2M too high a price to pay, even with extra funds from the Ministry, to renovate a perfectly good secondary school?
Regarding two Grade 7-12 schools as an alternative. While the Grade 7-12 model has been criticized by some, we have also heard several benefits this approach would afford. I fully understand the doubts expressed by many parents and teachers that grade 7 and 8 students are not ready for a secondary environment. Decades ago, I myself was such a doubting parent before the senior part of Hillcrest was built onto the junior school, worrying that the older students would possibly become a bad influence on the younger students, but time and experience proved me wrong. The Grade 7 – 12 model has also been proven to be successful: the students are not 'integrated' but have their own space and break times. Many 12 and 13-year olds feel they have outgrown the junior school environment and welcome moving into the more mature environment of a secondary school which then provides a much smoother transition to Grade 9. Their parents also find the move has been beneficial as there is less boredom, with the students having access to enhanced facilities and more advanced equipment. This model would give all our Owen Sound and area Grade 7 and 8 students these advantages.
Regarding the merged Secondary School at West Hill. There are also important arguments for not merging OSCVI students into West Hill. First, the OSCVI school was built as a secondary school with all the requirements and amenities suitable for secondary students as well as some extras. To not use it for its intended purpose seems a waste. Second, OSCVI is in an ideal location for a secondary school – it is right next to Georgian College and therefore ideally located for collaborative efforts such as Flex School, Dual Credits, and shared facilities; it is across the road from the Regional Health Centre allowing for possible Special High Skills Majors; and its proximity to the commercial district just north gives secondary students easy access to Co-op opportunities or part-time employment. This is where commercial growth is happening, and where residential growth will happen. Many believe it is important to keep a public Secondary School presence in this area.
And as we think ahead to when the West Hill building will need to be replaced, the OSCVI property looks promising. It is large enough to comfortably accommodate a sizeable addition, with minimal disruption during construction. If we keep OSCVI as a secondary school, there would be no extra expense to undo the remodeling that would have to be done to make the building suitable for elementary students.
West Hill and OSCVI are the only two secondary schools in the Bluewater district close enough to work together, collaborate, and coordinate both programs and extra-curriculars, as an alternative to merging the two schools. Such cooperation between the two schools could create opportunity for enhanced course offerings, and making transportation available would allow more students to access courses at both schools. Of particular note would be Tech. Courses, Theatre Arts, and any academic courses where a greater number of students are required to make it possible for the course to be offered.
And finally, there are other lesser arguments, but still worthy of consideration. For example, with a larger, busier and more crowded merged West Hill, at-risk students like those in the Supervised Alternative Learning program, would experience even more difficulty re-integrating into regular school attendance. Library use would be considerably curtailed due to a much smaller library facility at West Hill. As well, students may find decreased opportunities to participate in some school sports because of the loss of a double gym or having fewer school teams.
In closing, what I have outlined are all reasons why the decision in front of us is so difficult. Many counter-arguments can be offered, making it difficult to find a common path. I wish it were not so. Trying to balance the needs of all our diverse students seems an impossible task. Because of our aging schools, I do not think a long-term solution is possible – no matter which path we choose, the timing of the replacement of the West Hill building will determine the time for another decision. I hope what I have said will add some perspective regarding the future of our Owen Sound and area schools. Above all, I know we want to do our best to come to a decision that is the best for all of our students.