How to Not Save Barrie Central
By “Been down that road before”
The process to close Barrie Central is well underway, so before the ship has sailed, let’s learn from the past when Prince of Wales and King Edward were taken from our communities:
The Prohibitive to Repair label is based on inflated figures from private consultants who spent little time evaluating the school structure or actual costs. Our school board must allow new contractors in to give estimates on repairs before real numbers can be considered. King Edward, now Unity Christian H.S., has been renovated to meet the necessary standards.
The ARC process is flawed, from the selection of participants to the cruelty of pitting school communities against each other. Outcomes have always been predetermined.
The planners at the Board have been wrong many times. In fact, the very first ARC which recommended closing King Edward, after months of meetings, using all of the experts, statistics and planners, came up with this: “Close King Edward and send all students by bus 4 km away to Trillium Woods, as projected enrollment will be approx. 200 pupils”. In its first year, Trillium Woods was at over 400 pupils, without having King Edward students transfer. By trying to solve the nightmare of urban sprawl, the Board is creating another one by destroying the heart of our downtown and historic neighbourhoods.
The school trustee system is skewed in favour of rural communities and smaller towns. Only 3 trustees represent Barrie. The other 7 represent smaller communities – also facing school closures. Why would they vote to save a school in a city where they don’t live or represent? They will free up much needed funds for their own regions if they close it. Those 7 “non-Barrie” trustees represent regions that rely heavily on busing – it’s what all the rural kids do. Therefore, the “Green” argument, the one in favour of kids walking, speaking out against the pitfalls of busing…not convincing.
The other “Green” argument about the wastefulness of tearing down a repairable building, the health hazards of new building materials and parking lots, idling engines, suburban sprawl…it falls on deaf ears.
Petitions don’t work; they get ignored.
The emotional argument, based on history, roots, legacies, and a sense of community…also ineffective. King Edward and POW were both over 100 years old. Despite teary, heartfelt and powerful presentations to the ARCs and board, they voted to close those heritage schools.
So, what does work?” Every concerned person calling and writing trustees daily with their opinions! Citizens from all over Simcoe County, not just Barrie, must be heard; their concerns documented. Attendance at meetings is essential. By not showing up, you don’t quite care enough.
Finally, the bottom line is cash. The school board doesn’t want to put up the money for the renovations needed to update Central, especially when they are looking at inflated figures and feeling pressure from new/suburban communities to build new schools. Partnerships have to be made and strong ideas presented to an open minded ARC.
