Rural schools in Ontario are vital community hubs that provide more than just education—they offer childcare, adult learning, recreation, and gathering space.

Their closure threatens the sustainability of rural communities. Concerns about proposed regulations to sell under-capacity schools include the overly broad geographic jurisdiction of school boards, the significant social and economic impacts of losing rural schools, and the lack of consideration for rural realities such as long travel times and limited services.

The government is urged to collaborate with local partners and prioritize keeping surplus school properties for public use. Investing in rural education supports both student success and the future of Ontario’s agriculture sector, which depends on a well-educated workforce.