Grade 10-12 students at Bridgewater Junior-Senior High School will attend Park View Education Centre in September.
Justice Mona Lynch released her decision in the judicial review between the Town of Bridgewater and South Shore Regional School Board.
In her 22-page report, Lynch says the minister of education has placed the power to make the decision on whether or not to close schools with school boards and the court cannot substitute it.
Lynch says a lack of trust among members of the public, school options committee and school board will take time to heal and the decision to discontinue having a high school at BJSHS brings out high emotions and affects people on a very personal level.
She adds, the school board did not breach the duty of fairness owed to the town or citizens and made a decision that was within their mandate and power to make, in a fair and transparent process.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Bridgewater says he’s disappointed by the outcome.
David Mitchell says the town will not appeal the decision in order to give students closure so they can begin to transition.
“An appeal would not take place for months. It would prolong the uncertainty for our students and at this point in time, this close to the end of the school year and the beginning of the next school year, we didn’t feel that it would be in the best interest of our students.”
Mitchell feels the school review process could have been more open and transparent but the town respects the conclusions made by Justice Lynch.
He says the town has already begun increasing communication with their school board representative to rebuild trust and ensure both sides are working together in the best interest of youth.
The chairperson of the South Shore Regional School Board is happy with the judge’s decision.
Elliott Payzant says he stands by the move and the decision to meet the town in court.
The latest financial details of the judicial review were provided to CKBW/Country 100.7 on March 17 and had the school board paying roughly $90,000 for legal fees compared to the town’s $23,000.
Payzant says even with the $90,000 spent, they’ll still be saving money in the long run.
“Any cost to the school would probably have some effect on this year, but as we go forward the savings will be there year after year.”
Payzant says there are no hard feelings and he’s looking forward to building their working relationship with the town.
