In May 2008, students and staff of Whitney Institute were faced with the reality that the school would be permanently closed if an agreement between the Whitney Trustees and Ministry of Education could not be met. After several public meetings in which parents and students voiced their objection to the proposed closure, an agreement was reached and Whitney would remain open.

During the summer months while most people enjoyed days on the beach or vacations abroad, the men and women of the Works and Engineering Department worked tirelessly to ensure that the school would be open for the start of the new school year. Many late nights and public holidays found these men and women at the Whitney campus.

On October 16, a reception was held to honour retiring trustee chairman, Mr. Thomas Davis and employees of the Department of Works & Engineering.

The staff and trustees thanked Mr. Davis for his years of service as an active member of the Whitney Board of Trustees. Mr. Davis recounted some of the things he hoped to see through to fruition during his tenure as chairman of the board. He thanked Dr. Evans and the Whitney staff for their tireless efforts in keeping Whitney open and the efforts of the W&E teams.