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Meeting Objectives Meeting participants will: * Have a clear understanding of the accommodation review process * Have a clear understanding of the main concepts being deliberated * Have a chance to provide feedback on those concepts with the understanding that their comments will inform the Working Group’s future discussions 1
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Meeting Agenda 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. * Overview of meeting objectives, process and agenda * Accommodation Review structure, decision-making process, timelines * Overview of four(4) main Concepts currently being discussed by the Working Group * Q & A for clarification 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. * Feedback sessions in cafeteria 2
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3 Working Group & Consultation Process Working Group (WG) comprised of representatives of area schools and local community associations supported by Board Staff, Trustee and two(2) Superintendents Two Community Association co-chairs (Amanda Farris, Stefan Matiation) Weekly meetings since March Consultation Process: The WG has identified four primary concepts for public consultation today The purpose of tonight’s consultation is to present these concepts, gather community feedback, answer questions and provide you with resources for future feedback The WG will present its final recommendations directly to the Board in October 2013 Board Staff will present their own recommendations to the Board in October 2013 Board will make its decision in November 2013 (to be implemented for 2014 school year)
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4 Working Group Mandate The WG will: Strive to achieve a set of recommendations that will support the objective of alleviating the capacity issues at Devonshire and Elmdale Public Schools while providing students with local access to programs and balanced enrolments across study area schools Focus on solutions that will provide for at least five years of accommodation stability, minimize or eliminate the use of portables, support walkability and neighbourhood schools, and make the most effective use of District facilities involved in the area study Have regard for the implementation of Board-wide Full Day Kindergarten.
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5 Working Group Guiding Principles Re-balance community school populations Re-allocate space to match program demand Ensure a community-based solution, using community schools Increase programming options across the Near West Maximize walkability and safe access to the greatest degree possible; minimize busing Work within the Board ’ s preferred, where possible, grade groupings: JK – 6, JK – 8, 7 – 12, 9 – 12
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6 Key Challenges Demand for Early French Immersion (EFI) programs exceeds capacity of Elmdale and Devonshire Declining enrolment in Core English (ENG) programs at Elmdale, Connaught, Cambridge; need to make ENG more robust Balance of programs across Near West leaves some areas with gaps - no EFI in Dalhousie; no Middle French Immersion (MFI) in Hintonburg; no K-6 Alternative (ALT) between Churchill and Lady Evelyn Small schools means no perfect balance possible Variables at play: relying on projections; other reviews underway or are imminent (ALT; Far West; Special Education; Centretown) Pros and cons to single vs. dual track (specialization and reduced marginalization vs. ease of family transitions; siblings together)
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7 Area Under Consideration +11 CRs, 40% +6-8 CRs, 60% -6 CRs, 160% -11 CRs, 143% +3 CRs, 85% +9-19 CRs, 81% * Percentages of capacity as of 2016 ** “CR” = number of surplus (+) or deficit (-) classrooms
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8 Lessons Learned Surplus (+) or deficit (-) of classrooms is the best indicator of available space in area schools Percentages of maximum capacity of each school does not tell the space story Classrooms that are not already used as homerooms are considered “available” Classrooms may need to be re-purposed to serve as homerooms Enrolment numbers fluctuate from year to year, need to ensure cushion for future growth Expected intensification of Near West; uncertainty of projecting future enrolment Demand for EFI programming places pressure on schools that currently offer the program No easily identifiable infrastructure available to provide relief Pressure is in the west, but the available space is located throughout the boundary Difficult to balance enrolments since schools are in close proximity to each other and have limited space
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9 Concept A – Fisher Park JK-8 EFI with Connaught K-8 ENG - Fisher Park becomes a balanced JK-8 EFI ( draws from Elmdale and Devonshire catchments) - Connaught becomes a JK-8 English with additional 7/8 programming - Elmdale ENG splits to Connaught and Hilson Strengths/OpportunitiesWeaknesses/Challenges Adds equivalent of a “ new ” K-6 school in Near West Fisher Park and Connaught slightly top heavy Top heaviness reduced at Fisher ParkFisher Park yard, school access and security still to be addressed as well as cost of renovations Adds EFI program where there is demandSafety of crossing Parkdale and Holland Reduces transitions for many studentsAre timeframes sufficient for renovations? Creates a more robust ENG program at Connaught, serving a larger part of the Near West Is a small 7/8 program at Connaught viable? Sufficient classrooms are available to meet demand with room for growth – makes use of available space Outcome: Devonshire: 3 free classroomsElmdale: all portables removed, 85% Connaught: 0 free classroomsFisher Park: 3-13 free classrooms Cambridge: 6-8 free classroomsHilson: 2 free classrooms Outcome: Devonshire: 3 free classroomsElmdale: all portables removed, 85% Connaught: 0 free classroomsFisher Park: 3-13 free classrooms Cambridge: 6-8 free classroomsHilson: 2 free classrooms
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10 Concept B – Cambridge Dual Track with small Fisher Park JK-8 - Fisher Park draws from Elmdale and Devonshire catchments, but less from Devonshire - Cambridge becomes dual track JK-6 ENG/EFI (draws from Devonshire and Elgin catchments) - Connaught becomes JK-8 ENG; 7/8 is a feeder school for ENG & ALT - Elmdale ENG splits to Connaught and Hilson Strengths/OpportunitiesWeaknesses/Challenges Adds 2 EFI programs in the Near WestClassroom availability is limited at Cambridge and may not accommodate a full K-6 Increases EFI in Somerset allowing these children to stay in their immediate neighborhood + walkability Safety of crossing Bronson Reduces transitions for many students + siblings can remain together Possibility of squeezing out special education and programs supporting ENG at Cambridge Creates a more robust ENG program in the Near West Viability of the 7/8 feeder program at Connaught; Does Summit program stay at Fisher or move to Connaught? No Ports at ElmdaleSuggested change does not alleviate classroom pressure at Elgin Concern about dual tracking Cambridge Outcome: Devonshire: 3 free classroomsElmdale: all portables removed, Connaught: 0 free classroomsFisher Park: 3-13 free classrooms Cambridge: 0 free classroomsHilson: 2 free classrooms Outcome: Devonshire: 3 free classroomsElmdale: all portables removed, Connaught: 0 free classroomsFisher Park: 3-13 free classrooms Cambridge: 0 free classroomsHilson: 2 free classrooms
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11 Concept C – Connaught Dual Track with Fisher Park JK- 6 EFI - Connaught becomes dual track JK-6 ENG/EFI to relieve Devonshire overcrowding - Fisher becomes JK-6 EFI; addition of EFI to relieve Elmdale - Elmdale ENG splits to Connaught and Hilson Strengths/OpportunitiesWeaknesses/Challenges New JK-6 EFI at Fisher Park relieves stress at Elmdale Creates new neighbourhood school Top heavy Fisher Park (i.e. larger 7/8 population compared to JK-6) Local solution for both Devonshire and Elmdale - two solutions for two schools Safety of crossing Parkdale and Holland Avenue for some area students Better balance of EFI across the Near WestDoes not fully utilize extra space at Fisher Park Addresses desire for French programming at Connaught Limited EFI boundary for Connaught, is it sustainable Some Devonshire JKs can continue at ConnaughtFisher renovations required to elementary school (cost, timing) Gr. 7/8 Status Quo at Fisher Park (current programs remain at Fisher Park) Outcome: Devonshire: 2/3 free classroomsElmdale: 0 free classrooms Connaught: 4 classrooms overFisher Park: 9 free classrooms Cambridge: 1 free classroomHilson: 3 free classrooms Outcome: Devonshire: 2/3 free classroomsElmdale: 0 free classrooms Connaught: 4 classrooms overFisher Park: 9 free classrooms Cambridge: 1 free classroomHilson: 3 free classrooms
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12 Concept D – Connaught ALT JK-8 with large Fisher Park JK-8 - Connaught becomes JK-8 ALT - Fisher Park becomes dual track JK-8 EFI/ENG; 7-8 feeder school without Summit - Cambridge becomes dual track JK-6 ENG/EFI Strengths/OpportunitiesWeaknesses/Challenges New ALT JK-8 Program in a dedicated, non-co- located, new facility Loss of cohesive Summit ALT staff if moved to Connaught, putting the viability as a true ALT program at risk Improves program availability and program distribution across Near West Support for new ALT program is unknown – do not know JK-6 demand and unsure of 7/8’s willing to transfer facilities Provides community based solution for alternative learning Results of ongoing review of ALT programs expected in September All programs are robust (class sizes, grade groupings, funding) Triggers an ARC which would require additional time Fewer transition points for a greater percentage of children in Near West Fisher Park yard, school access and security still to be addressed as well as cost of renovations More balanced Fisher ParkClassroom availability is limited at Cambridge and may not accommodate a full JK-6 EFI Outcome: numbers are soft; unclear how many Connaught children would choose to stay; Board Staff currently running numbers
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13 Other Concepts Under Consideration Hilson becomes JK-6 ENG/EFI taking Elmdale overflow, Connaught becomes ENG/MFI taking Hilson MFI, Cambridge becomes ENG/EFI taking Devonshire overflow Connaught becomes JK-6 ENG/EFI taking Devonshire and Elmdale, FP becomes 5-8 taking Devonshire and Elmdale 5 & 6s Connaught becomes EFI only; FP adds JK-6 EFI/ENG dual track, or, Connaught ENG redirected to Cambridge, Centennial and Hilson Connaught becomes dual track ENG/EFI taking Devonshire overflow and Elmdale keeps all portables
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Other Concepts Under Consideration cont’d Fisher becomes JK-8 EFI, ALT, G-EFI, Connaught becomes JK-8 ENG with junior seed ALT program, Cambridge gets JK-3 seed EFI in addition to retaining ENG or ALT could be swapped for MFI. Concept C variations could include: - an introduction of a JK-6 EFI program at Cambridge (phase-in starting JK-3), - Elmdale becomes JK-3 and Fisher adds 4-6, or - Elmdale keeps portables 14
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15 Next Steps The WG will consider the feedback that is provided tonight and will continue to develop and evaluate concepts and scenarios In September, we will return to update you on our work and to seek additional feedback In October, we will finalize our recommendations and submit them for the Board’s consideration Board staff will submit their own recommendations to the Board The Board of Trustees is the decision-maker Board Staff along with Community input will develop implementation strategies Thank You!
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16 Where to Find Additional Information A video of tonight’s presentation will be available on youtube and on some websites of Community Associations (e.g., www.chnaottawa.ca) www.chnaottawa.ca Tonight’s power point presentation and other documents can be found at http://www.ocdsb.ca/Pages/FeedbackNews_NearWestAccommo dationReview.aspx http://www.ocdsb.ca/Pages/FeedbackNews_NearWestAccommo dationReview.aspx If you want to share your feedback, express concerns or share your ideas with the WG you may do so at any time by emailing us at NearWestReviewPublicComments@ocdsb.caNearWestReviewPublicComments@ocdsb.ca
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