The Town of Oliver is giving moral support to the Osoyoos community as parents and town officials struggle with a possible school closure.
Last week Oliver Town council approved writing a letter of moral support to the Town of Osoyoos, but that’s as far as it goes.
Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes said the neighbouring municipality requested some support in the debate – trying to convince the school board not to close the elementary or secondary school (options being considered to offset a structural deficit).
“We understand where Osoyoos is coming from,” the mayor said, noting this has caused a lot of distress in that community.
Councillor Jack Bennest urged council not to get involved in the debate, but did admit there is too much focus on Osoyoos.
“One community shouldn’t have to take all that burden on itself.”
Bennest said Oliver was in the same situation five years ago when the school board proposed to close down Tuc-el-Nuit Elementary.
“We said no, and the school board did not take action.”
The councillor predicted the district will delay its decision and study the issue for a year.
Hovanes said Oliver does not want to put itself in a position where the school board puts the municipality under the same microscope as Osoyoos.
“The last thing we want is for them to look at our schools.”
Bennest said Oliver should say it shares the same feelings as Osoyoos; that no town wants to lose a school.
Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger agreed that Oliver should express support. “But we don’t want to say we think the school district should act this way or that way . . . they have a big problem on their hands.”
Hovanes said he wouldn’t want another elected body to tell the Town what to do.
Councillor Maureen Doerr agreed, saying the school board is an elected body and council should respect that.
Fellow Councillor Petra Veintimilla said she’s glad that she isn’t a school board trustee right now.
By Lyonel Doherty
