Summary of Peel board policy and procedure on consolidation of schools
The Peel District School Board policy guides any decisions about the review and potential consolidation of existing schools. Decisions are to be made with the involvement of the community and based on the learning needs of the students affected. The policy and procedure comply with Ministry of Education guidelines. The board's policy outlines four stages that must be completed when considering closing schools:
- identification
- review and analysis
- presentation of recommendations to Physical Planning and Building Committee and the board of trustees
- implementation
Stage 1: Identification stage determines schools to be considered
- The Peel board may identify schools for review if their enrolment is less than 60 per cent of their ministry rated capacity, or MRC, and if the board forecasts enrolment which will not grow or will continue to decline over the next 10 years.
- Next, the board identifies a review area. This review area relates to stage 2. The review area consists of part or all of the attendance area of the schools with low enrolment, along with neighbouring schools that might be affected or also considered in a consolidation.
- The recommendation of an identified group of schools and a review area is brought to the Physical Planning and Building Committee and then the board of trustees.
Stage 2: Review and analysis stage creates opportunity for community involvement
- The board creates an Accommodation Review Committee, or ARC, to lead stage 2. The committee membership includes principals and superintendents of schools under review, the local trustee (if he/she wishes to sit on the ARC), and school council chairs and parents from each school. A community member and municipal representative may also be included.
- The ARC uses the board's Terms of Reference and School Information Profile to assess the value of the school to students, the board, the community and the local economy.
- The ARC will review and analyze possible scenarios.
- The ARC holds at least four well-publicized public meetings, to gather community input. The first public meeting must be at least 30 calendar days after the board approves the review area. The last public meeting must be at least 90 calendar days after the first public meeting date.
- The ARC must submit its recommendation within 105 calendar days from the date of the first public consultation meeting. Then the board must allow at least 60 calendar days' notice prior to the Physical Planning and Building Committee meeting at which these recommendations will be presented.
- Summer, Christmas and March breaks are not counted in the time requirements.
Stage 3: ARC presents recommendations to board for debate and decision
- Once the board has received the ARC's recommendations, board staff prepare their response.
- The reports from the ARC and staff are received by the Physical Building and Planning Committee and then go to the board of trustees for a decision. Any decision to close a school must include clear timelines.
- The public can only delegate the Physical Planning and Building Committee and the board about the possible closure of schools under review when the reports are presented.
Stage 4: Board staff help ensure a smooth transition for affected students
- If the board decides to close a school, board staff will plan an effective transition for affected students and their families.
This is a summary of Policy 45—Consolidation of School Accommodation and Operating Procedure School Operations Support Services 3 —Consolidation of School Accommodations.
