School Board Chair Marieze Tarr made a number of arguments in support of closing OSS, while expressing some misgivings about the negative impact of busing students to Oliver. In the end, she voted in support of her community, but trustees from other communities carried the 4-3 vote. (Richard McGuire photo)
Marieze Tarr, chair of the board of School District 53 issued this statement this afternoon about the closure of Osoyoos Secondary School:
“This is a decision that has not been made lightly. The Board would like to thank everyone who has participated in the process and expressed their views and passion for their school.
“The Board recognizes that this has been a difficult time for the students, staff and the community. Trustees, district staff, and school administrators will now focus on the upcoming transition to ensure as positive and meaningful an experience as possible for students, parents and staff.”
The actual wording of the motion passed is as follows:
THAT the Board of Education of School District No. 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) approve the closure of Osoyoos Secondary School effective June 30, 2016 and the transfer of students to Southern Okanagan Secondary School.
The bylaw to implement closure could not receive three readings last night because it was not unanimous. This means that third reading will take place at the next regular school board meeting on April 27 at 7 p.m. at the school board office in Oliver.
