As expected, Cedar Secondary School is re-opening its doors.
On Wednesday, the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School Board formally confirmed a decision made two weeks ago: the school will re-open as a Grade 8-12 high school in September of 2016.
Member of the Save Cedar schools lobby group were predictably happy with the 6-3 vote.
“We are both pleased and relieved with the decision,” said SCS spokesperson James Tripe in a media release. “This is a triumph not only for the community of Cedar, but for the district as a whole. Those of us from Cedar as well as many supporters from across the district have worked tirelessly for nearly two years to reverse the previous board’s resolution to close our community high school.”
“This is a huge victory for grass-roots movements and a great example of democracy in action. I hope that our success in having a poor decision overturned is an example to others across the province that government does not have to have the final say and that individual voices do make a difference.”
Trustees also unanimously passed a motion to provide bussing for Cedar students to Ladysmith Secondary for one year, up until the time that Cedar Secondary reopens.