Ward 3 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Editor   
Wednesday, 19 March 2008 12:00
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The Halton District School Board has now released the report written by the committee members.  The report is available here - icon PARC Final Report - March 19, 2008.  The Director of Education will prepare his recommendations for the Trustees in April.  The opportunity to delegate the Trustees should be sometime in May, depending on when the Director’s report is delivered.

Last night in Clearview, the residents met at Hilton Garden Inn to discuss their strategy moving forward. We found the icon Clearview Real Estate Newsletter from a local real estate agent online.

This newsletter suggests the Town has contacted the school board to discuss a joint venture for the Clearview community.  The newsletter goes on to suggest our MPP, Kevin Flynn, is prepared to ask the Ministry of Education for an exemption to build a school in Clearview.

Are these not pertinent facts the PARC should have been given access?  Why not disclose this information?

The article illustrates there are 400-500 students going to existing schools in South East Oakville.  The PARC recommended a school configuration of JK-6.  Thus, there are 274 (Area 1 represents Clearview) existing children from JK-Grade 6 going to existing English faclities. We emphasize the grades and English as all the other students in SE Oakville are in programs not considered in recommendations by PARC  (ie.French Immersion, middle or High school).  The School Board further recognizes by 2015 enrollment from Clearview will continue to decline to 233.  A 15% decline over the next 7 years.

Inflammatory articles such as this simply divide the community and continue to spread false truths.

We all want fairness in South East Oakville, but this does not mean transferring the Clearview issue to another community in South East Oakville.  We note that if a new school requires 500 children (as per Gerry Cullen, Superintendent of Facility Services) we would need to close 2 or 3 schools and bus almost 270 children North to Clearview, when considering the 2015 enrollment projections.  Does this make sense?

If the Province and town can joint venture on a school for 250 this would solve the problem, and allow the other communities of SE Oakville to evaluate the schools in an objective method.  Perhaps this is what Kevin Flynn, MPP needs to address with the Ministry of Education and advise our community.

If you are a first time visitor to this site, our community is at risk of losing one or more of its’ public schools, due to a school board mandated, program & accommodation review committee (PARC).  We recognize there is a need for review and possible closure.  We are asking for a fair, open and transparent process to ensure we achieve the desired goal.  Please take a few moments and browse.

Last Updated on Monday, 31 March 2008 04:46
 

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