It’s been a rocky road for a Markdale school, but the owners of a Canadian ice cream company are stepping up to keep it open.

Beavercrest Community School is currently the subject of an accommodation review by the Bluewater District School Board because of declining enrolment in the area.

The school board is considering busing the students to three other schools in the county. Residents say some students could be on a bus 90 minutes each way.

“Students should not be on a bus longer than one hour, it effects their sleep, it effects their academics, it effects their homes and relationships even more than that,” says resident Grace Langtree.

The vice president of Chapman’s Ice Cream is concerned the board will close the facility. The company has offered to buy the school property and renovate it; even build a new bigger school in Markdale.

“We are willing to put our money where our mouth is and provide any financial assistance to stop this from happening it will be devastating to the community and devastating to our business,” says VP Ashley Chapman.

Chapman’s employs more than 600 at its production and distribution centres in Markdale.

The mayor says the municipality is offering money too.

“We want to work together. We put this offer on the table to buy us some time,” says Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen.

In an email, the school board says it’s willing to investigate all options available during the 40 day review process.

“I think what faith we have in the board taking care of children would be washed away if we can't find something to work with these possibilities,” says Michelle Patey, who sits on the Beavercrest parent council.

There are two more review meetings scheduled before a final public meeting in January. 

The board is expected to make a final decision in the spring of 2017.