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Board completes eight accommodation reviews

July, 2010: On June 23, 2010, the Board of Trustees voted to close eight under-used schools and convert 14 K-Grade 6 schools located near them to K-Grade 8 schools.

These decisions were made to reduce surplus student places, so funds can be diverted back into classrooms and program improvements supporting student achievement.

The Board began the process of reviewing student accommodation needs at 10 groups of schools across the city in the fall of 2009. Over 80 public and working-group meetings were held to consider various options for school configurations and listen to parents and the community about their needs.

Finally, the Board of Trustees voted on staff responses to the recommendations of the local committees.
 
The review process, established by the province, was lengthy and thorough. Meetings often evoked passionate debate. In the end, however, many communities came together to produce reasoned and logical solutions supporting the future needs of students.

Thanks to the efforts of community volunteers and Board staff, the TDSB will be able to reduce operating costs by almost $2 million every year. Even more important, the Board won’t have to spend $59 million on repair work that would only have brought the eight older schools up to basic standards.

Many improvements will be made to schools receiving students from closed schools. Over $56 million will go to building new additions, upgrading classrooms to teach Grades 7 to 8 science, technology, art and music classes, and wireless internet access. School yards will be spruced up and building interiors refreshed.

The TDSB thanks all those parents and community members who participated in the review process. Your hard work and input is greatly appreciated. Eventually, the Board will complete reviews for all 650 schools across the city. The next round will be announced in 2011. Details about current and past reviews can be found at www.tdsb.on.ca/brighterfutures.