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The Oakville Beaver, Friday July 4, 2008 - 5 School board plans to sell closed schools Continued from page 2 that the board will have to pay more than $15 million worth of construction and in resources needed for the schools. Maple Grove Public School will require $3.7 million for a new gymnasium, 10 more classrooms and two portables among other things. The construction of Clearview Public School is estimated to cost more than $10 million while E.J. James Public School would need $1.28 million for six additional classrooms and two portables. Selling Brantwood, Linbrook, Chisholm and New Central schools, plus government funding received for creating smaller class sizes, is expected to fetch $17 million, resulting in a $2 million gain for the board. Board trustees said they could not guarantee that funds created from the sale of the schools would be used solely for Ward 3. This was a point of contention for many parents at the meeting. "I'm amazed at that one comment made that all the funds coming from our area aren't necessarily going back to our area," said Heather Sanders, a Linbrook parent. "And Clearview is getting a new school and we are not. If Clearview is getting a new school with the money from our schools, why are we sending our kids to a school they are trying to rework?" A major obstacle with these recommendations is obtaining funding and approval for the new Clearview school from the provincial Ministry of Education. There has been no communication between the ministry and the board on the possibility of this funding, according to Joudrie. "There has been no approval process at this time because that would be presumptive and until the board finally made its decision, we weren't moving to the next administrative step," he said. "We'll follow the process and communicate to the ministry what the intent of the board is and at the end of the day if they support it and understand, we'll be able to proceed." While the past year's process has created what appears to be a rift between certain members of the southeast community based on geographical location, Joudrie said he is confident that bridges will be mended. "I'm pleased the board made a decision tonight so that the cloud of not knowing and mystery has been taken away and we can move forward in a positive manner," he said. "Having been involved in several school closures over many years as an administrator, although there is plenty of passion from the `Save our school' end, once a decision is made, parents do step up, kids do step up and generate really positive transitions. Two, three years down the road, people wonder what all the fuss was about because they just love their new school and staff." A full report of the recommendations for the southeast Oakville schools can be found on the HDSB's website at www.haltondsb.on.ca. KENNEDY FORD OAKVILLE'S ORIGINAL DEALER LEASE FOR 2008 FORD FUSION SE MSRP $ 0 K. #FN5532 % AV AILABLE 2008 FORD FOCUS S MSRP $ $ STK. #5S5901 199 M O TH N FAMILY PLAN DISCOUNT 25,099 $ 4,279 $ YOU PAY 20,820 LEASE FOR FAMILY PLAN DISCOUNT 17,149 $ 1,739 $ YOU PAY 15,410 LEASE FOR $ 2008 FORD ESCAPE STK. #EC56 MSRP $ 35525 M O TH N $ 2008 FORD 514 MUSTANG BULLITT TK. #MU5690 M O TH N FAMILY PLAN DISCOUNT 26,894 $ 2,233 $ YOU PAY 24,661 LEASE FOR MSRP $ FAMILY PLAN DISCOUNT 38,864 $ 5,628 $ YOU PAY 33,236 LEASE FOR 2008 FORD EDGE SEL K. #EG5876 MSRP $ $ 399 M O TH N 2008 FORD RANGER SPORT MSRP $ $ MSRP $20,264 313 M O TH N FAMILY PLAN DISCOUNT 33,539 $ 2,875 $ YOU PAY 30,664 FAMILY PLAN DISCOUNT 20,264 $ 1,886 $ YOU PAY 18,378 QEW WYECROFT OAKVILLE 905.845.1646 All pricing is based upon Ford of Canada's Family Plan Purchase program, plus freight (Focus $1110, Fusion, Escape, $1250 and Ranger $1200). Plus air tax, dealer admin, ppsa, lic. fees, omvic fee. and taxes. Where applicable discount reflects Family Plan discount and Delivery Allowance where available. Lease is based upon 48 mths. 20,000 km per year, freight and air tax as down payment plus a downpayment of $2850 on the edge. www.kennedyford.ca DORVAL A QEW @ DORVAL