Q&A—Consolidation of School Accommodation
Review area including Byngmount Beach, Lyndwood, Neil C. Matheson and Allan A. Martin Sr.
26 March 2008
Background
On March 25, 2008, the Peel District School Board trustee approved a recommendation to identify a review area for potential consolidation. There are four schools in the review area:
- Allan A. Martin Senior Public School
- Byngmount Beach Public School
- Lyndwood Public School
- Neil C. Matheson Public School
Q – Why has the Peel board identified these schools as a review area for potential consolidation?
A – This is part of a process required by the Ministry of Education and detailed in the board's Consolidation of School Accommodation Policy #45 and the accompanying operating procedures.
Q – How were the schools selected?
A – The board policy indicates that schools be identified for potential consolidation if their enrolment is less than 60 per cent capacity and if enrolment is expected to decline over the next 10 years. In establishing a geographic area to be considered in the review and analysis of these low enrolment schools, the board identifies other neighbouring schools that would be affected and that are essential to be part of the solution.
- Byngmount Beach PS was selected because it's enrolment is at 37 per cent capacity—the lowest in the Peel board—and its enrolment is expected to continue to drop over the next decade.
- Lyndwood PS is nearby and its enrolment is 51 per cent capacity, with an expected decline in the next 10 years.
- Neil C. Matheson PS is close to Byngmount Beach and Lyndwood. Its enrolment is not at capacity, and its enrolment is expected to decline in the coming years.
- Allan A. Martin is the middle school for Neil C. Matheson and it is located near Byngmount Beach and Lyndwood schools.
Clearly, these four schools are interconnected and all need an equal voice in finding a community solution.
Q – Does this mean that one or more of the identified schools will be closed?
A – The board's approval of the recommendation begins a process of reviewing and analyzing the accommodation and learning needs of students in this community. The board has no pre-determined outcome. Rather, through the review process and the public consultation that will be part of that process, the board expects creative, community-driven solutions to emerge. The board's goal is to help revitalize the community and to best meet the learning needs of the students in this area.
Q – What happens next?
A – The next step will be the creation of an Accommodation Review Committee, or ARC. This committee, with representation from each affected school, will lead the review process. The entire process is defined in the board's consolidation policy and operating procedure, which is available at each of the affected schools, on the board website—www.peelschools.org—or by calling the Peel board office at 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146.
Q – How long will this take?
A – There is no immediate cause for concern. Absolutely nothing will happen without broad community consultation over a considerable period of time. This is just the beginning of a long conversation about how to best serve our students. There will be no change to any of the schools this year or in the 2008-09 school year. The policy and procedure identify clear timelines for the process, and we will provide extensive communication throughout the process.
Q – What happens to the schools while they wait to see if they will be consolidated?
A – Each of the schools in the review area remains committed to helping children be successful—that has not changed. Each school will continue to receive the same staffing, resources and support.
Q – What is the consultation process? How will we find out about the next steps?
A – The board is committed to keeping staff and parents informed. Through the Accommodation Review Committee, the community will be well-informed of the process and timelines. There will be many opportunities for genuine input, including at least four public meetings, the first of which is expected in June. Penny Gingell, superintendent of education, will lead this process.
