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With the fate of Debec Elementary School resting in his hands, the Education Minister says he has a tough decision to make – one which won't be made lightly.

Last month as part of Policy 409, District 14 Education Council (DEC) recommended the closure of the small rural school in favour of two new kindergarten to Grade 8 schools. Minister Kelly Lamrock has final say on the matter.

Lamrock confirmed that two weeks ago he met with Debec School Ad Hoc Support Committee, who shared information and voiced its concerns about the impending closure of the school.

The committee members were hoping to sway the minister's decision in their favour.

Lamrock said he listened and understands their concerns, but there are a number of things to look at before he makes this difficult decision. In numerous small communities like Debec, the school serves more than just a educational institution, he said.

"It is more than just a school, it is a community centre," Lamrock explained. "It represents people's hopes for their kids. So I take every one of these seriously.

"That is why we are working on a rural schools policy and why we developed a community school so we could keep as many of them (rural schools) open as possible."

But due to declining populations in rural areas, he said, government must guard against schools getting too small, thus spreading educational resources too thin.

But with the elimination of early French immersion, he added, the department is in the process of revising population numbers, which may have an impact on decisions about small rural schools.

"We have stopped the practice of streaming some kids out of rural communities who don't have French immersion. That may change things for some schools."

Lamrock said he looks forward to reviewing all of the information, explaining both sides of the Debec argument.

He said he had a good meeting with Debec school supporters and has a good working relationship with District 14.

"Both are very sincere in what they want," Lamrock said. "I have got to figure out what is in the best interest of the kids."

Though he has made no promises or commitment to either side, the education minister said people can expect his decision in the next few weeks.

"I have got to make a decision fairly soon so people can plan," he said. "In the end, I have got to try and listen to everybody, but keep the kids in mind and try to think about the experience they will have and what will help them learn best."