OCDSB reports recommends closure of 8 schools

A set of sweeping Ottawa-Carleton District School Board staff reports recommend the closure of eight schools as early as September 2017 as part of a comprehensive review meant to address shifting student enrolment and 11,500 "empty pupil places."

The reports, slatedto bepresented at anOCDSBmeeting next Wednesday, also includeproposals to change grade structures, school boundaries and program offerings.

The schools recommended for closure are:

• D. AubreyMoodieIntermediate School
• GreenbankMiddle School
• Leslie Park Public School
• Grant Alternative School
• Century Public School
• Regina Street Public School
• J.H. Putman Public School
• RideauHigh School

The two initial reports for the western area and the eastern secondary area come ahead of a comprehensive review set to launch in the first week of September. Final decisions are expected in March 2017. A third review for schools in Alta Vista, Hunt Club and Beacon Hill is set to begin in April, with final decisions by December 2017.

The reports acknowledgethe effect of school closures and program changes on students, parentsand staff.

"The decision to close or restructure a school can profoundly affect students and parents. Where changes occur, transitions are planned in a sensitive manner that is supportive of school communities," the initial report on the western area public accommodation review says.

It goes on,"The transition for staff must be planned in a sensitive, consistent and thoughtful manner which is consistent and appropriate to the specific school situation."

Read the initialreport on the western area public accommodation review here.

Read the initialreport on the eastern secondary area reviewhere.