WHERE THE BIG THREE PARTIES STAND
Liberals
Recently announced 10 public sessions to tackle rural education needs. Sessions scheduled May 23 in Amherstburg, May 24 in Thedford, May 25 in Markdale. The Liberals are also urging school boards to weigh options, where possible, other than closing or merging schools.
Progressive Conservatives
Want a school-closing moratorium, pending a review of provincial guidelines.
New Democrats
Want a ban on school closings until Ontario’s education funding and other guidelines are reviewed.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The fallout since 1998, unless otherwise noted, for WindsorEssex County school boards: Greater Essex County District Empty spaces: 6,516 Schools closed since 2000: 19
Schools opened since 2007: 10 Enrolment since 2003: Down 3,773
Windsor-Essex Catholic Empty spaces: 2,919 Schools closed: 21; opened, two
Enrolment: Down 5,923 Postmedia News