This paper uses Foucaultian theory of governmentality as a conceptual lens to view school closings in Ontario. Governmentality relates to regulations, rules, systems, and procedures that allow governments to exercise control in society. Based on a critical review of select court cases, the paper argues that boards have substantial power to close down schools provided they satisfy the spirit of their own closure policy and ministry regulations. The paper concludes that boards need more legitimization to make closure decisions, given the conflictual nature of such decisions. Legitimization role of community members may be found in a participatory model of policy-making.