The minister of education says the South Shore Regional School Board can revisit their 2013 decision to close elementary schools in Petite Riviere and Pentz.
Karen Casey says she’s reviewed the board’s bylaws.
“It clearly states in their bylaws that they can rescind a motion if they have additional information. We believe that option is there for the board.”
Board Chair Elliott Payzant says that’s not the case, based on advice from their solicitor.
“The legislation that was in place at the time when those motions were made are still the regulations we have to abide by and if we were to rescind the motion, we would be in violation of the legislation.”
The board attempted to revisit the motion to close Pentz and Petite Riviere last month but it was voted down.
Requests to build a new school at an approximate cost of $11-million has been denied three times.
Renovations, or an A&A, has been approved for one of the schools.
But, the board has never applied to the province for the work.
Payzant feels the decision to close schools is final and cannot be overturned.
