Feel free to draw on this letter for facts / inspiration. Include your own personal story (a great place would be after the 1st paragraph) for why the school is important to you, your children, your community, your business, etc.
THANK YOU to Margaret from Petite, who volunteered to write this template letter!
Dear Chair Payzant and elected members of the South Shore Regional School Board,
I am a proud supporter of the vibrant community of Petite Riviere. I write to express my concern over the South Shore Regional School Board’s decision to close Petite Riviere and Pentz Elementary Schools. I am extremely dissatisfied with the way this decision has been handled by the Board, especially in recent months, and in particular with the events that unfolded on February 22nd, 2017.
Schools are the heart of our communities. They influence where families choose to live and serve as vital community hubs. Petite Riviere is a growing community that is drawing countless young families and entrepreneurs from as far as Western Canada and outside the country. This is a model community for the revitalization of rural Nova Scotia, and closing our schools would be a giant step backwards in a movement that is gaining momentum.
We don’t believe the board intended to leave these communities without a school or have four-year-olds commute two hours on a bus every day to a large, overcrowded school. The intention was to close Petite Riviere and Pentz Elementary Schools only when a new school was secured for this thriving community. A new build was rejected by the Minister three times.
Fortunately, we already have a wonderful school with incredible people behind it. The Minister has offered money for an A&A. A recent report has shown that this is the best value for this community. The solution is on the table. Request funds for an A&A. It is up to you to take action and do the right thing for the community and the children.
That the fate of 150+ students (and growing) and an entire community should hinge on a single legal opinion is unacceptable. The idea that this decision is beyond anyone’s control is unconvincing. You can rescind the original motion. Our community has secured a different legal opinion. It allows you to rescind the flawed motions and it directs you to fulfill a new school review to explore options. This is fair, transparent and responsible.
Sincerely,