Eastern Consolidated to stay open
MOSER RIVER - The reaction by the community to the Halifax Regional School Board's decision at the recent board meeting, held at Alderney Landing, to keep Eastern Consolidated School in Moser River open to the 29 students who attend this rural school, was described as jubilation.
Board member for District 1, Bridget Boutilier, said, " The community of Moser River and area is symbolic of what a true community is. This community worked well together and has much to be proud of." Boutilier is referring to the review committee comprised of community members and parents who worked with board-appointed facilitator, Orville Mombourquette, to prepare an argument against the recommendation for the possible pending closure of Eastern Consolidated slated for the end of July.
After a seven-month process, six residents made the trek to Dartmouth to witness the vote of the 11 Board members deciding the fate of the little school. One member abstained and the remaining ten voted unanimously to keep open not only the school in Moser River, but the one in Upper Musquodoboit, as well. Keeping schools open has been unheard of in the prior history of the school board.
Co-chair of the review committee, Earline Sharpe expresses satisfaction in the decision. "I am glad that the board is having all the schools remain open." This decision also includes Shatford School in Hubbards which was removed from the list for possible closure earlier in the process. "It goes to show that the board is looking at rural schools differently. Bridget Boutilier was instrumental in helping change the board's outlook on the role of these schools in the community. We are very thankful to her."
Boutilier expressed humiliation at the process they were obliged to follow. "Not only does a board member have to educate their fellow board members and staff, but a board member has to educate their community about the elected board and school board staff." At her final presentation just prior to the vote, Boutilier reminded the voting members that rural schools are far in distance from the city but that they are not invisible. "We still have the same wants and needs."
Review committee facilitator, Orville Mombourquette, says, "I felt nothing but joy at the outcome. It was an interesting process and I enjoyed the professional approach that was provided for the community to work together to come up with a proposal regarding their objections to a closure."
Boutilier says she was ecstatic that the school will remain open and that the HRM School Board members saw what she sees every day. The vote demonstrated they agreed that rural schools do have a place in their communities. Boutilier made the statement, " I hope that Education Minister Jamie Muir follows the lead of the Halifax Regional School Board and makes exceptions for rural schools in this province."
