Five local communities will have to wait until September to learn the fate of their high schools.

The Simcoe County District School Board needs to make a decision on the futures of Collingwood Collegiate Institute, Elmvale District High School, Midland Secondary School, Penetanguishene Secondary School, and Stayner Collegiate Institute. The decision could include school closures.

After failing to come to a decision after two June meetings, the issue was pushed back to a Sept. 23 meeting.

Michelle Hunter is an Elmvale District High School (EDHS) graduate who has been working on the campaign to keep the school alive. She admits she doesn’t mind the wait.
“It will give the trustees a chance to really examine the issues and hopefully see how important these schools are to these communities,” she said.

Hunter sees the delay as a chance to keep fighting and promoting the need for schools like EDHS.
“We are going to stay optimistic,” she said. “We are going to continue to spread the message that rural schools are important. We hope to work with the people of Stayner because they are in the same boat we are. We aren’t taking a summer break.”