OSOYOOS — Hundreds of people have attended public forums and rallies regarding a potential school closure in the Town of Osoyoos over the last couple of months. But the most anticipated meeting, where a final decision will be made on the future of the local schools, will be held at a venue that will fit 264 people.
“We as a community, and the Save Our Schools committee, feel they really should accommodate us. We’re going to have 1,500 to 2,000 people here tonight and to allow only 260 to sit down, we don’t feel that is correct,” says Brenda Dorosz, the founder of the committee.
The Wednesday meeting is being held at the secondary school’s theatre.
Dorosz says most people will be listening for the outcome outside the building.
School Board Chair Marieze Tarr says business meetings are usually conducted at the school district’s office in Oliver, and they’re trying to accommodate the community by bringing it to Osoyoos.
“This is a business where trustees should be able to see each other and talk to each other. We felt that the other venues were too big,” explains Tarr.
But parent Jamie Elder isn’t satisfied with the explanation.
“Making an effort but at the same time, making excuses because there are other facilities that would accommodate everybody,” says Elder.
The school board will vote if the Osoyoos local elementary or high school will close to save the school district money in light of low enrollment rates. Either situation would have senior students bused to the secondary school in Oliver.