Board turns down money

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff said Wednesday she isn't happy that the School District 53 board has declined an offer of financial assistance from the town.

That assistance, in the amount of $350,000 over three years, equaling $1.1 million, was laid out in a letter recently sent to board chairwoman Marieze Tarr.

Tarr subsequently sent a response letter, declining the offer.

"We feel they are not treating this with the respect they should," said McKortoff. "We have some money that we could use now to assist the district."

The letter is one of many the town has sent to the board, following its decision in early April to close Osoyoos Secondary School.

The decision to close the town's only high school angered many in the community, from parents to students, business people and the town council.

After the recent offer of financial assistance, Supt. Bev Young said the board had a meeting to discuss the details as provided by the town to offer the assistance contingent on a number of factors and then sent a response to the town based on those discussions.

The council also sent a letter to the board last week regarding legal action.

That letter states in part: "Osoyoos Town Council is advising the School District 53 Board that given the impacts on the Town of Osoyoos and the region as a whole of the Osoyoos Secondary School closure, the town is considering legal action unless the board defers the school closure decision for at least one year to allow for meaningful consultation with the town and other School District 53 constituents."

The third reading on the school closure matter will be held at the school board office in Oliver at 7 p.m.  tonight.

Tarr said after the decision was made that she recognizes this is a difficult time for students, staff and the community.

The most recent letter declining financial assistance, as well as others, can be found on the Town of Osoyoos website.