Dear Greater Essex County District School Board,
I want to formally request an apology as a Councillor in Essex representing the Harrow community over the repeat messages in the media including Harrow Public in the new build in Kingsville. The way it continues to be portrayed is that Harrow Public is closing, not that Harrow Public is a feeder school. The media release went out Thursday, which was fixed on the website and a correction was sent out but both AM 800, and CTV news both mentioned the incorrect information. After the mess up Thursday I thought for sure it was the last time, I was wrong.
My inbox has been filling up with hurt and mad parents in my community. This has happened again and again to my community of Harrow and Colchester South. Last June, the article that went out mentioned consulting Kingsville families but did not mention anything about our Harrow families. For the announcement on the new school location the Essex Mayor and myself were given less than 48 hours’ notice to attend, the announcement did not have anyone from our municipality present. I would like to remind the board that the Harrow community still misses their high school and has little trust regarding future decisions the board may make.
I would like an apology in writing please, and a confirmation of the Boards commitment to Harrow Public school. After everything that has been said publicly in the media this is really a small. I hope we can start to rebuild the relationship and build the future of Harrow Public schools’ enrolment which is negatively hurt each time ” typos ” and ” verbal slights” are made. Residents have told me this is all intentional to lay the ground work for future closure, I will not give into that and request in writing that this is not the truth. I really hope that January 15th can be the last time I hear the School Board mention anything that jeopardizes Harrow Public school. It is key to get the correct information to the media.
I look forward to hearing your response at your earliest convenience.
Disclaimer – I do not represent Essex council this is my request and my thoughts, but I felt it necessary to include Essex Councillors because our residents are greatly impacted by the boards repeat messages
Councillor Sherry Bondy
Erin Kelly Director of Education