Students, parents oppose Ottawa school closures

Dozens of parents and students turned out to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board meeting Monday night in an attempt to convince school board trustees not to close three area schools.

The trustees are set to make a final decision on Dec. 15, after a school board report tabled in October recommended closing Rideau High School on St. Laurent Boulevard and McGregor Easson and Parkwood Hills public schools in the Merivale area because of declining enrolment.

Rideau High School students arrived at Monday's meeting on a school bus, wearing blue T-shirts, their school colour. Eric Kabasele pleaded with trustees not to close his school, despite its low enrolment.

"It takes time to build a family. It takes time to develop respect. It takes time and understanding to break down cultural barriers.

"Why would you want to take away what we have worked so hard to build?"

Parents from Parkwood Hills Public School said they don't want to move their children from the early French immersion program offered at the school. Many, including Marc Hinton, said if the board closes Parkwood Hills, they'll turn to other school boards in the Ottawa area.

"Many parents will reassess their schooling options. We have no particular loyalty to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, but we are loyal to good educational programs."

Another Parkwood Hills parent, Dr. Marc Zucker, stressed the need for stability.

"I think there has to be some responsibility to our children when we look at moving them around and ensuring that families don't have to navigate change after change after change in our system."

Trustees will continue to hear public submissions on Wednesday night regarding the potential school closures.