The Collingwood Elementary Attendance Area Review (AAR-C), and the new Essa Secondary Attendance Area Review (AAR-E), were passed at the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) March 24, 2010 Board meeting.
I want to thank all the people who shared their thoughts and viewpoints with respect to both reviews. Tough choices had to be made and it is a shared success, that so many took on the responsibility of being part of the AAR process.
Collingwood Elementary Attendance Area Review
With respect to Collingwood, the focus of the review was to find solutions to rebalance the student numbers within the Collingwood elementary schools.
The SCDSB planning department recorded 125 emails, 50 comment sheets and 25 phones calls of members of the community sharing thoughts and suggestions. In addition there were 2 petitions, 1 with 172 signatures, and a 2nd with 39 and 1 delegation to the Facility committee.
I personally received additional extensive feedback via conversations, email , and phone calls.
There was a diversity of opinions; and not all options could coincide simultaneously. However, all input was listened to and reflected upon. The decision made at the March 24th Board meeting, was determined to be the best solution to meet the needs of the students while being the least disruptive. The rationale behind the recommendations, including geographic considerations, are detailed in Appendix E of the Staff Report FAC-D-6 March 3, 2010.
Background Material:
- Comments on AAR Recommendation Collingwood ( post )
- Report FAC-D-6 March 3, 2010 AAR Collingwood ( pdf )
- Appendix E of the Staff Report FAC-D-6 March 3, 2010 ( pdf Appendix E only )
New Essa Secondary School - Attendance Area Review (Re: New Lowell, Clearview Twp.
The Attendance Area Review for the new secondary school in Essa, was required to establish a catchment area for the new school. It will open in fall 2010 with 725 students; it has a capacity of 903. Approximately 30 students from the current Stayner Collegiate Institute catchment area will be included in the new Essa Secondary school area.
Two public meetings were held and the planning dept. reported a total of 19 input communications (emails, contact info and telephone calls). I received some additional comment from those in the New Lowell Central Public School catchment area.
Background Material:
