To: Chairperson, Ottawa-Carleton District Board of Education
Dear Ms. Scott,
| As concerned citizens of the centretown area, we would like to voice
our extreme opposition to
the staff recommendations of the Ottawa-Carleton District Board of Education concerning area reviews and school closures. We believe that schools are the focus of the community, and closure of schools change the face of that community. We have very serious concerns for the survival of the centretown area, and believe strongly that closure of McNabb Park School will weaken the community and initiate a cycle of decay. As efforts to reinforce the central core by City and Regional Councils continue, the removal of a vital and central community facility undermines these efforts tremendously. It is clear that centretown Ottawa values it's schools, and that McNabb Park School provides the best possible experience for its students with its longstanding relationship with Centretown Parents Daycare and the McNabb recreation organization. This successful collaboration incorporates all components of the child's day in one setting, creating the greatest possible opportunity for success. The facility itself- with its extensive yard, pool, rink, gymnasium and access for people with disabilities - is clearly outstanding. And equally important, we consider the guidelines established by the province to determine the appropriate use of space misleading . The space allocation formula is quite clearly irrational and unworkable. The time lines for evaluation are rushed. Community use of schools and the revenue generated by this use is not to be considered as factors in evaluation. All of these elements are forcing an outcome that is not in the best interests of children or education. We are asking the Ottawa-Carleton District Board of Education to join with Hamilton, London, Metro Toronto and Windsor and reject the school closure review process. We are asking that the Board take back control of area schools that have been funded by local taxes. We are asking that children not be forced out of their community, and that special programs not be threatened due to lack of space. We support any action that considers community use of schools an essential factor. We are demanding that you examine and recognize the essential value of McNabb Park School to its community, and oppose its closure. As chairperson of the O.C.D.B.E, we are asking that you seriously consider the impact of these recommendations, and take a stand of leadership that Ottawa-Carleton citizens can support. We ask that you distribute this letter and reply to our concerns. |
Sincerely,
