OCDSB reports recommends closure of 8 schools
Reports to be presented at Ottawa-Carleton District School Board meeting on September 7
A set of sweeping Ottawa-Carleton District School Board staff reports recommend the closure of eight schools as early as September 2017 as part of a comprehensive review meant to address shifting student enrolment and 11,500 "empty pupil places."
The reports, slated to be presented at an OCDSB meeting next Wednesday, also include proposals to change grade structures, school boundaries and program offerings.
The schools recommended for closure are:
- D. Aubrey Moodie Intermediate School
- Greenbank Middle School
- Leslie Park Public School
- Grant Alternative School
- Century Public School
- Regina Street Public School
- J.H. Putman Public School
- Rideau High School
The two initial reports — for the western area and the eastern secondary area — come ahead of a comprehensive review set to launch in the first week of September. Final decisions are expected in March 2017. A third review — for schools in Alta Vista, Hunt Club and Beacon Hill — is set to begin in April, with final decisions by December 2017.
The reports acknowledge the effect of school closures and program changes on students, parents and staff.
"The decision to close or restructure a school can profoundly affect students and parents. Where changes occur, transitions are planned in a sensitive manner that is supportive of school communities," the initial report on the western area public accommodation review says.
It goes on, "The transition for staff must be planned in a sensitive, consistent and thoughtful manner which is consistent and appropriate to the specific school situation."
Read the initial report on the western area public accommodation review here.
Read the initial report on the eastern secondary area review here.