York Catholic District School BoardThe preferred option proposes what Administration believes is a balanced approach to delivering the best solution for the community and the Board given the overall objective and detailed analysis of all variables considered. The preferred option is evaluated against the four R’s, consistent with the Board’s Long Term Accommodation Plan.
FAQ Category: Accommodation Proposal
How is it that something of this magnitude can be decided upon without consulting the community that is directly affected by the decision?
No decision has been made regarding the closing of a school. Following a Ministry of Education directive and after careful review, Board staff have presented the preferred option as required. At this point, the only decision that has been made is to begin the process for the review community consultation. The final decision to be made by the Board of Trustees after a consultation period, one public meeting and an opportunity for delegations to the Board of Trustees. The consultation is intended to hear all comments, suggestions and any alternative options. The final decision will take place at the Board meeting after the Final Report with Public Delegations Addendum (Report 3), after which time, a Transition Plan will be developed.
Why are St. Clare and St. Gregory the Great not involved in this PAR?
St. Clare and St. Gregory the Great were identified in the Long Term Accommodation Plan as part of the South Woodbridge East review area. A number of options were considered, and it was determined that these schools would not be included in the final Pupil Accommodation Review area.
Why have two new options been added?
New options were added as a result of community feedback. An analysis of any new options will be included in Final Staff Report with Community Consultation (Report 2).
Why do you want to close our school?
The preferred option is based on an array of variables, not solely on one variable. When analyzing the various options one must consider the four R’s (Right Location, Right facility, Right program and Right Size), as outlined in the Initial Staff Report (Report 1). Included within the four R’s are variables such as capacity, utilization, facility condition, portables, proximity, operating and renewal costs, site layout and Child Care Centres. The preferred option was brought forward as the most viable accommodation scenario, which will be re-evaluated against other options as a result of community input.
How many before and after-school program spaces will be available?
Spaces available for before and after care programs vary based on the need of the community. There is no fixed amount at any specific school, the child care operator will expand or contract based on demand.
I have an accommodation proposal to put forth for consideration.
Options must meet the following objectives supporting the 4Rs –
- Reduce capacity by at least one school;
- Retain schools central to catchment area;
- Minimize the need for portables;
- Keeping communities together where possible;
- Minimize the need for future boundary changes;
- Maximize the use of available pupil places
*The final accommodation solution must consider all factors, and may not result in the highest reduction in any one category.
The preferred option requires portables. How is this an effective strategy to create a positive learning environment?
Portables are appropriate temporary accommodation and we strive to avoid long term usage.
Why is our school proposed to close when our school has more students than the other schools?
When looking at the Accommodation Issue, we need to look at the best long term solution for the overall community, taking into consideration the existing situation.
Enrolment is one of a number of variables considered in the development of an accommodation solution.
How do you believe it makes sense to take children who love the environment and teachers and place them somewhere else?
Due to Ministry funding, we are required to address our excess pupil places across the Board. We recognize the impact this will have on our school communities and students. The Transition Process, which will include parent representatives, will address these type of concerns related to the smooth transition of school communities.