The Near North District School board came to the decision to amalgamate schools in the Parry Sound area. They will look at placing grades 7-8 students in secondary schools. A large crowd of concerned parents where on hand for the vote on this decision. School board Trustee Jeff Serran says this is what makes the most sense at this time and North Bay has already gone through this change.  Chair Kathy Hewitt explains the government doesn’t differ between elementary and secondary schools when it comes to funding. Hewitt says they see many benefits for the students. The board also voted on putting together an Accommodations Review Committee that will help parents and students ease into the new schools. Hewitt says right now there is no alternative to this issue.