Local MPPs React to Closure of Harrow's Only Secondary School

Local Essex MPP Taras Natyshak, along with Windsor West MPP and NDP Education Critic Lisa Gretzky‎ released the following in response to the announced closure of Harrow District High School: “With the closure of Harrow District High School, the town of Harrow will lose its only secondary school, a vital piece of its identity, and a cornerstone for future growth in the community. Closing Harrow High School means that students will be transported outside of their home town for school. This results in a loss of local knowledge and history, as well as a sense of community for the next generation of students in Harrow. With no secondary school, Harrow’s ability to attract new residents and support young families will be crippled,” stated Essex MPP Taras Natyshak.  Ontario NDP Education Critic Lisa Gretzky indicated that the closure of Harrow is part of a troubling trend set by this Liberal government to force the closure of good neighborhood schools.   “The closure of Harrow District High School comes at a time when the province should be investing in our good, neighbourhood schools rather than forcing their closure. The Liberal government must recognize the uniqueness and value in local schools across Windsor and Essex County and the province of Ontario.  Rather than forcing trustees to close schools in their district, the government should allow for creative solutions from trustees to keep our local schools open. While the Liberal government claims to support schools as community hubs, they have fast tracked the closure process and made it more difficult for school boards, municipalities and the community as a whole to work together to keep our good neighbourhood schools open.  New Democrats know that good schools are vital for good neighbourhoods and healthy communities.  One of the best ways to invest in long term growth of our rural communities is to invest in their local schools. We will continue to work with students and families in Windsor and Essex County to fight the Liberal’s forced closure of our community schools,” stated Gretzky.