I will start by saying that I have always maintained both new high schools would be a really good outcome. Is it likely?

Who knows….

Today was an interesting day. I have been hearing that Brian Smith was planning to lay blame on those of us questioning him “if” Wasaga Beach does not get funding for a high school.

At first I thought it was just talk, but then hours later, I noticed that the Catholic School Board Trustee had shared a post and it was being spread throughout the Brian Smith Joe Belanger support network like wildfire.

I saw this as an opportunity to learn. So in one of the groups, I reached out to Trustee Cooper. As I mentioned in another post, I have sent him a list of questions. I will discuss his answers when I get them.

I originally asked the questions in a Facebook group and he did not answer but, he asked that I send him an email, which I did. I also told him I would share his response.

But… in the group where I originally asked the questions, I was attacked by Brian Smiths support group.

(Not surprised)

One said I was accusing someone of corruption (I did not- I kept screenshots), one actually had a derogatory comment and advised Trustee Cooper not to respond to me. But most important was the blatant attempt to paint my efforts as being a potential cause of failure. Really? If any of Brian’s attack group believe the Minister of Education would make decisions based on my Facebook discussions, then they really underestimate the integrity of high ranking politicians.

So Brian Smith, (because I know you read these) why don’t YOU step up to the plate and stop sending in your pinch hitters? I make no apologies for asking everyone to support the Public Board High School proposal OVER the Catholic School proposal “IF” we only get funding for one.

If we get both, great! If we get neither, then we are that much closer to the end goal. But if we get neither, it is more likely that to the Minister of Education, the numbers just didn’t cut it.

Bear in mind, Brian Smith did lie about numbers in his letter of support sent two weeks after the two proposals went in. Let’s ALL hope THAT misrepresentation does not adversely affect either Boards proposal.

This decision needs to be one that serves the students of Wasaga Beach in the best way possible.

I think it is ironic that the same people criticizing me for saying the Town has engaged in “secret” planning are also sharing details that have not been made publicly to the best of my knowledge.

We are now hearing that the plan is officially to operate as a K-12 school, but ONLY until they get funding to build a new Catholic Elementary School, then they will convert the new Catholic K-12 to A FULL Secondary School. (9-12).

So, I await official answers from Mr.Cooper, but would the numbers actually BETTER support a full Catholic Elementary School NOW? Shouldn’t that be what they are applying for?

Also, would the numbers NOW support a Catholic Secondary School? Would the numbers 5 years from now support a new Secondary School, or are they simply borrowing enrollment temporarily to justify a build?

I do not recall ANY of these details of future changes being discussed in open Council. So “if” it was determined that these details were part of “in camera” discussions… how are they being shared now? Leaky ship?

After I prepared this, I then realized that three hours earlier, the Town released a “contact Minister Lecce” Facebook post. (Attached) Great Idea Brian. You should have maybe done it last week when we were discussing it here. Maybe tomorrow we can discuss this public relations disaster Brian and Joe have created. They have a way of turning straight forward municipal politics into a three ring circus.

Wait… didn’t Brian have an experienced councillor resign once, claiming that very thing?

Perhaps Trustee Coopers answers to my questions will be enlightening… we shall see.