Unrestrained joy echoed through Town of Osoyoos Council Chambers this morning as MLA Linda Larson made good on a provincial promise to find the money necessary to keep Osoyoos Secondary School open.

Now, it’s up to trustees with the Okanagan Similkameen School District to make it happen. They’ll get a chance to do that this afternoon at 3.

“For those who know me, you know that keeping Osoyoos Secondary School open for business was my Number One priority,” MLA Larson told Council members and about 30 Osoyoos residents gathered to hear her announcement.

“And that’s why I’m pleased to say today, Osoyoos Secondary will be receiving the full $490,000. This funding is ongoing.”

“We’re ensuring that this community will not have to go through this again.”

The board will discuss the Ministry of Education’s response to the Rural Education Enhancement Fund application it made earlier this month and the implications for the closing of Osoyoos Secondary School.

At the regular Board of Education meeting held June 22, Trustee Sam Hancheroff gave notice that he would move to rescind the school closing bylaw if the Ministry provided the Board with the necessary funding for the operations and maintenance of Osoyoos Secondary School for the 2016/17 school year.

Mayor Sue McKortoff, who sported a huge grin as the announcement was made, later expressed the depth of her gratitude.

“I am just so thrilled to be part of Council and to be here for this announcement,” she said.

“You know they say it takes a village. It didn’t; it took a town. And this town in the last six months has shown that they are together on this, they’re willing to work together. They’re willing to fight for what they believe. We are delighted.”

MLA Larson also expressed her respect for the community and they work it undertook to keep Osoyoos Secondary open.

“I’m even more proud of this community for the work that you’ve done and for standing up for your kids.”