WATCH ABOVE: While students of Lorne Middle and Browns Flat schools returned to class at a new school, a suspension was granted in the case until a proper appeal hearing takes place. Global’s Laura Brown reports.
FREDERICTON – An agreement between the province and two parent groups fighting to keep their schools open was approved by a Court of Appeal Justice Tuesday.
Parents from Lorne Middle School and Browns Flat Elementary have been fighting to keep their schools open after they were ordered to close by the Education Minister.
READ MORE: Decision to close Browns Flat, Lorne Middle schools overturned
After the schools were ordered to stay open by Justice Darrell Stephenson, Education Minister Serge Rousselle appealed the ruling and asked the court for a stay of Stephenson’s order.
That stay landed in the New Brunswick Court of Appeal Tuesday afternoon.
READ MORE: Hearing regarding future of Browns Flat, Lorne Middle schools adjourned
Justice Ernest Drapeau granted the stay after he heard an agreement drawn up by both sides. The agreement allows the stay, provided the District Education Council maintains the two school buildings during this process.
Another condition calls on the government to grant the parent groups $3,000 for their legal fees.
Both sides also agreed to a media blackout, asking that the case not be played out through the media.
Justice Drapeau set the appeal hearing for Sept. 25, saying the expedited hearing was “probably the fastest ever.”
READ MORE: District says ‘it would be impossible’ to reopen Browns Flat, Lorne Middle schools
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