York Catholic District School BoardThe preferred option is based on an array of variables, financial being one. 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).
FAQ Category: Accommodation Proposal
Why would this school be closing when it is one of the larger schools with a second floor?
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).
Where can I find the information that shows which school is the proposed school for closure?
The options are included in the Initial Staff Report (Report 1).
Our school’s main floor recently went under renovations. How does this factor into the final decision?
The school building is one of many considerations in choosing which school to close. 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).
How did you decide on the preferred option?
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).
The preferred option, proposed by Administration considers a balanced approach to delivering the best solution for the community and the Board given the overall objectives.
Please consider this alternate option.
The consideration of additional options is part of the community consultation process and will be evaluated against the following criteria, and included within the Final Staff Report with Community Consultation (Report 2):
- Reduce capacity by at least one school;
- Keep school communities together where possible;
- Retain schools central to catchment area;
- Reduction of overall facility costs;
- Minimize the need for portables;
- 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.
Why is it desirable (as the “preferred option”) to separate French immersion students from their English friends,and send them to different schools?
The preferred option addresses the declining English program at Our Lady of Peace and Father John Kelly school. By combining the two populations the programing offered to these students can be improved with greater access to resources and generally a larger number of students per grade provide better opportunities for the students. The French Immersion program operates independently of the English program. The capacity of Our Lady of Peace cannot accommodate the combined English populations of Father John Kelly and Our Lady of Peace as well as the French Immersion program. As a regional program of choice, for the benefit of all students, it is suggested the French Immersion program be moved to Blessed Trinity.
Sometimes change is necessary as outlined in the Initial Staff Report. The Board of Trustees with the assistance of Administration determines the location and delivery model of the French Immersion Program. Administration has evaluated the popularity and size of the program and proposes a change in the location.
Who worked on creating this recommendation?
The recommendation was developed by Board staff,(Planning, Facilities, Curriculum, Students Services, Human Resources, Transportation, and School Superintendents) with the guidance of the Board’s Multi Year Strategic Plan and principals and parameters of the Board’s Long Term Accommodation Plan.
Why was there only one option put forward?
As part of the Ministry of Education’s Pupil Accommodation Review Guidelines an accommodation option is required as a component of the Initial Staff Report. Administration considered a number of variables and alternative options in the development of the Initial Staff Report (Report #1). Based on staff analysis the option contained in Report #1 was the only option presented to Trustees. This option is subject to change based on information gained through the community consultation process.
Why you would want to close a school that is almost fully utilized?
There is a surplus of capacity within the community, with enrolment pressure and excess pupil places at the two other schools. Overall we have a shortfall in funding to heat, clean and operate our schools. As directed by the Ministry of Education’s School Board Efficiencies and Modernization Strategy school boards need to address the efficient use of available resources. The result is the proposed closure of one school to shed excess pupil places. At this point administration is suggesting the proposed solution as outlined in the report.