HomeMy WebLinkAbout14 COW Public 30 November 2011 Minutes Report 6 Public
REPORT NO. 6, SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (PUBLIC)
Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South
Area Accommodation Review
DATE: 30 November 2011
A special meeting of the Committee of the Whole (Public) was held this evening in the Board
Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, Ontario, commencing at 6:38 p.m. with Trustee Bronwyn
Funiciello in the chair and the following trustees also in attendance: Donna Blackburn (electronic
communication), Rob Campbell, Cathy Curry (electronic communication), Pam FitzGerald, Mark Fisher,
Katie Holtzhauer, Theresa Kavanagh, Jennifer McKenzie, Lynn Scott, John Shea (electronic
communication) and Shirley Seward.
STAFF: Director of Education and Secretary of the Board, Jennifer Adams; Associate Director,
Walter Piovesan; Superintendent of Facilities, Michael Carson; Superintendent of Instruction, Susan
MacDonald; Manager of Planning, Karyn Carty Ostafichuk; Manager of Board Services, Monica Ceschia;
Planners, Marc Labelle and David Suriano; Communications Coordinator, Sharlene Hunter; Audio Visual
Specialist, John MacKinnon; Senior Board Coordinator, Maureen Strittmatter; and Board/Committee
Coordinator, Natasha Knight.
1. Call to Order
Chair Funiciello called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Approval of Agenda
Moved by Trustee Scott,
THAT the agenda be approved.
- Carried -
3. Public Question Period
In response to a query from Catherine How, Superintendent Carson indicated that on a number
of occasions staff discussed the option of phasing regarding Intermediate students to Glashan in 2012;
however, staff concluded that, in order to ensure a smooth transition for students and staff, it would be
beneficial to delay the process until 2013.
4. Presentation of Report 11-197, Centretown/Glebe/Old Ottawa South Area Accommodation
Your Committee had before it staff report 11-197recommendation
in regard to the Centretown, Glebe and Old Ottawa South Accommodation Study.
Manager Carty Ostafichuk thanked all parent volunteers, community representatives, principals
and the working group for their time and efforts.
- 1 -
Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 30 November 2011
Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South
Manager Carty Ostafichuk indicated staff recommended that the comprehensive
accommodation study be led by a community driven working committee which would operate in an
Accommodation Review Committee (ARC) like manner. In this collaborative process, planning staff
served as a resource to the committee.
Manager Carty Ostafichuk reported that once the Accommodation Working Committee (AWC)
submitted their recommendation, the focus for staff was to identify commonalities. She added that
during this process, it was clear that both First Avenue Public School and Hopewell Avenue Public
School had been operating at over capacity primarily due to French Immersion program choice in the
area while Mutchmor Public School and Glashan Public School were underutilized. Both staff and the
AWC agreed that an 11 classroom addition and the switch of students from Mutchmor Public School
and First Avenue Public School would alleviate pressure in the study area.
Manager Carty Ostafichuk highlighted that there were some variances
recommendation and that of the AWC
MFI program in the study area. When examining MFI schools and the total pool of grade 3 students
from which each program has to draw, the pool of students supporting existing programs was far more
substantial than a new Glebe MFI program would have to work with. The AWC also recommended the
creation of a grade 7-8 Early French Immersion (EFI) Glashan Public School/Hopewell Avenue Public
School optional area for the larger Ottawa East area. Manager Carty Ostafichuk noted that in
opinion Area A should be directed to Glashan Public School only thereby keeping all graduating Elgin
Street Public School EFI students together. Staff indicated support for the optional area for Area B. The
existing Glashan Public School/Hopewell Avenue Public School 7/8 English optional area, located west
of Bronson and south of Carling Avenue is recommended to be directed to Glashan Public School. This
ensures continuity with the overall direction of Glebe area English program cohorts. This is in
alignment with the working committee recommendation. The AWC had also proposed a September
2012 implementation date for the redirection of all of the Intermediate population that is recommended
to be redirected to Glashan Public School for 2013. Manager Carty Ostafichuk
opinion, the partial redirection of students to Glashan Public School for 2012 would allow Hopewell
Avenue Public School community time to adapt to the recommended redirection of students. She noted
added staff does not object to the 2012 phase in of students and EFI program to Glashan Public School.
Manager Carty Ostafichuk noted that staff recommendation of the 11 classroom addition at
Mutchmor Pubic School was determined based on available site space while still allowing for yard
space for the students. In considering First Avenue Public School, staff determined that since there was
constrained space and land structure issues, hiring a consultant would have been required at an
additional cost.
In summary, Manager Carty Ostafichuk stated that staff is confident that their proposed
recommendation will address accommodation issues in the study area.
4. Trustee Questions and Answers
Staff responded to a number of trustee queries and the following points were noted;
The cost of the addition to Mutchmor Public School is estimated at $5 million dollars.
Funds are planned to derive from Full-Day Kindergarten funds, proceeds from
dispositions and perhaps Ministry funding. The possibility of using capital funds was
mentioned after an analysis of priorities was finalized;
Staff is confident that the 11 classroom addition at Mutchmor Public School would be
sufficient for future enrolments and population increases;
- 2 -
Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 30 November 2011
Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South
-direction of students to Glashan Public School until
2013, would allow for a smoother transition, students would all transition together and
staff would have time to adjust to the changes and provide the necessary resources;
The student phase in process for 2013 would not include students that are in their final
year;
Staff predicts enrolment of grade 7 and 8 French Immersion students at Glashan Public
School would be maintained;
The intent of the Switch is to move the entire staff; however, further discussion is
planned;
Approximate cost for a six classroom addition is two-thirds of the 11 classroom
addition as infrastructure costs would need to occur in both developments;
Schools are typically staffed based on enrolment numbers;
Staff have identified the need for further discussion regarding low English program
enrolment numbers and means of improving the program;
Typically, the financial implication of adding a school bus in the study area is $30,000;
however, staff does not predict a need for additional transportation;
The guidelines that staff and the AWC adhered to during this process was similar to
that of a Accommodation Review Committee (ARC), with the exception of the
requirement of four public consultation meetings;
The scenarios that were discussed did not identify the requirement of an ARC;
Projected enrolment numbers are forecasted until 2015, staff reported the difficulty in
predictions past that date;
The area north of the Queensway was not impacted by recommendations since
discussions will ensue regarding the re-build of Elgin Street Public School and at that
point a full area review may occur; and
Staff determined that construction of the addition at Mutchmor Public School is
possible while school is in session. Safety of the students would be paramount.
6. Delegations
a. Up to 10 Minutes:
i. Neal Hill, Representative of Hopewell Avenue P.S. School Council re Dissenting
Minority Report
Neal Hill, a representative from Old Ottawa South and Hopewell Avenue Public
School, expressed concern regarding both process and substance of the recommended scenario
submitted by the majority of the Accommodation Working Committee (AWC). He reported
that Hopewell Avenue Public School is unique to the accommodation review; they are the
largest school in the study area, one-third of students in the community attend Hopewell
Avenue Public School and they offer MFI from grades 4 to 8.
The following was outlined as an alternate recommendation (Scenario 1b);
The construction of a six-classroom addition to Mutchmor Public School;
Mutchmor Public School hosts three tracks: English, Gifted English and Early
French Immersion (EFI);
First Avenue Public School continues as an SK-6 EFI school, but for a reduced
catchment area;
Grade 4-6 English students attending Hopewell Avenue Public School are
directed to Mutchmor Public School;
- 3 -
Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 30 November 2011
Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South
Upon graduation from Mutchmor Public School and First Avenue Public
School, all EFI students continue at Glashan Public School for grade7 and 8.
All Glebe and Old Ottawa South English and Gifted English students move on
to Hopewell Avenue Public School;
The Old Ottawa East/Elgin area remains an optional area for EFI 7-8 and
becomes optional for English 7-8;
Glashan Public School expands to three tracks: English, Middle French
Immersion (MFI) and Early French Immersion (EFI);
Hopewell Avenue Public School, becomes a dual-track school for JK-3
(English and EFI), dual-track for 4-6 (EFI and MFI), and four-track for
Intermediate students: English, Gifted English, EFI and MFI; and
All changes become effective with the completion of the Mutchmor Public
School addition in September 2013.
In summary, Mr. Hill noted that if this decision must be made immediately and
Scenario 2 is approved, Hopewell Avenue P.S. School Council recommends avoiding the
creation of a new 4-6 MFI program in an area with two existing ones, distributing intermediate
students more evenly between Hopewell Avenue Public School and Glashan Public School and
the transition to occur in 2013.
Mr. Hill responded to a number of trustee queries and the following points were noted:
Hopewell Avenue P.S. School Council recommends a north/south division of
students from Second Avenue between Hopewell Avenue Public School and
Glashan Pubilc School; and
Implementation in 2013 would allow students, families and staff to plan
accurately with less disruption.
ii. Daphne Ducharme and Mike Todd, Co-Chairs, First Avenue P.S. School Council re
Scenario 2 the Switch
Speaking in support of Scenario 2, Daphne Ducharme and Mike Todd noted that
adding an MFI program in the Glebe is viewed as a long-term measure to alleviate enrollment
pressures as demand for French Immersion continues to grow and is supported by most First
Avenue Public School and Glebe parents. Ms. Ducharme expressed the view that introducing
MFI at the new First Avenue Public School, as part of the Switch would also eventually
balance the school populations of both Mutchmor Public School and First Avenue Public
School.
Ms Ducharme also noted that Scenario 2 sends all graduates from Glebe Elementary
programs - EFI, MFI, English and Gifted English to Glashan Public School which effectively
becomes the Glebe grade 7 & 8 school while Centretown schools also continue to feed to
Glashan Public School. Scenario 2 keeps both Mutchmor Public School and First Avenue
Public School programs intact and cohorts together.
In Summary Ms. Ducharme noted that First Avenue P.S. School Council is confident
that Scenario 2 is the solution with the greatest consensus and is the best way to address
overcrowding at First Avenue Public School and provide strong vibrant programs in the
community.
- 4 -
Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 30 November 2011
Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South
Ms. Duchame responded to a number of trustee queries and the following points were
noted;
Results from the survey that was distributed to First Avenue Public School
parents indicated a division of school choice between Glashan Public School
and Hopewell Avenue Public School;
First Avenue P.S. School Council recommends the entire graduating class of
2013 be directed to Glashan Public School;
Clarification of the results from the parent survey are as follows: Question six
on the survey is support for Scenario 1; Question seven is support for Scenario
2; and, Question 8 is support for the possible construction of an addition to
First Avenue Public School;
After several discussions with Glashan P.S. School Council it was clear that
they preferred the 2012 implementation date for preparation purposes. It was
the intent of First Avenue Public Schools Council to support the 2012
implementation; however, based on the results from the First Avenue Pubic
School parent survey, it could not be supported by the council; and
Delaying implementation until 2013 would give First Avenue Public School an
opportunity to plan tours, build confidence, and inform parents of programs
available at Glashan Public School.
iii. Brenda Flight and Mary Young for Sabrina Quraeshi, Co-Chairs, Glashan P.S. School
Council re the Case for Early Implementation
Speaking in support of Option 2, Brenda Flight and Mary Young noted that the Glebe
community would like to keep their programs strong by keeping all EFI students at one location
and all English students at one site, and support the English program with Middle French
Immersion.
Ms. Flight noted that all of the scenarios discussed by the AWC supported increasing
Glashan Public School enrolment from the 2015 status quo projection of 52.6 percent
utilization rate. As part of the consultation process, the AWC surveyed to gather views on the
rest in phasing
in the solution. The public results showed strong support for an early (2012) Glashan Public
School implementation with 68 percent. Ms. Flight added that if the implementation is delayed,
Glashan Public School will likely lose staff due to enrolment numbers.
In summary, Brenda Flight indicated that Glashan Public School community supports
the recommendation for boundary changes and request that action be taken to allow the early
phase in with all English and EFI Intermediate students in Centretown and the Glebe moving to
Glashan Public School for September 2012.
Ms. Flight and Ms. Young responded to a number of trustee queries and the following
points were noted:
Low enrolment can affect programs, staff, and may have an impact on the
French language community at Glashan; and
Concern was expressed regarding the loss of quality French teachers.
- 5 -
Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 30 November 2011
Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South
iv. David Baar, Mutchmor P.S. School Council re Support for the Working
Recommendation
Speaking in support of d Baar highlighted the
following:
Mutchmor P.S. School ocus is on preserving the positive and
welcoming Mutchmor Public School environment, ensuring that the English
program is not marginalized and building an understanding of the advantages
for a child to commence education in their native language;
At Mutchmor Public School the congregated Gifted program complements the
English program. The additional instructional depth allows English teachers to
exchange best practices, solve problems, and share resources. The school as a
whole can deliver a range of appropriate enrichment activities, while parents
can come together with a common focus on helping the school provide high
quality English programming; and
There is a strong demand for MFI within the Glebe.
In summary, Mr. Baar indicated that the demand for MFI based on the best available
information, suggests that a Glebe MFI option would attract at least 20 students per grade when
mature. He expressed the view that Scenario 2 is the best available approach for delivering
high-quality public education in the Glebe community.
Mr. Baar responded to a number of trustee queries and the following points were noted:
Mr. Baar expressed the view the that changes in how the Board has directed
EFI students will address the difficulty that students have with changing
schools after Junior Kindergarten to pursue EFI;
Mutchmor P.S. School Council is in support of the 2012 implementation of
Intermediate students enrolment to Glashan Public School; and
Mutchmor P.S. School Council is in support of the 2012 implementation of an
additional MFI program in the Glebe.
v. Sandra Derby, Representative of Centennial P.S. School Council re Support for Early
Implementation
Sandra Derby noted that both Scenarios 1 and 2 were acceptable to Centennial P.S.
School Council since in both Scenarios it is status quo for Centennial Public School. She added
that the School Council had decided to vote for Scenario 1 on 08 November 2011, since at that
point in time they did not feel that an additional MFI site was feasible. Ms. Derby noted that
MFI program is new and growing and needs time to establish itself.
Splitting MFI across three school sites in the study area, and thereby weakening the existing
programs is discouraged.
In summary, Ms. Derby indicated that Glashan Public School is the feeder school and
thus should remain strong and viable for intermediate students. She noted support
for including the Glebe EFI students in the move to Glashan Public School for 2012.
- 6 -
Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 30 November 2011
Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South
vi. Mary Young, Co-Chair, Cambridge Street Community P.S. School Council
re Support for Working Group Recommendation
Written Submission
In support of the AWC recommendation, Mary Young reported that Cambridge Street
Community P.S. School Council would also recommend the early implementation of Glebe
English and EFI students to Glashan Public School for September 2012, to maintain strong,
viable programs for intermediate students in the downtown area.
* * * Following a short recess, Chair Funiciello called the meeting back to order at 8:56 p.m* * *
vii. John Higgins, Representative for Elgin Street P.S. School Council, re
Results of Survey - Grade 6 EFI Students
John Higgins reported that results
from a survey distributed to Elgin Street Public School grade 6 EFI parents showed strong
support for having an EFI stream at Glashan Public School.
Mr. Higgins noted
desire to have a chance to adapt to the change in school boundaries; the need to have a smooth
transition for Hopewell Avenue Public School and the need to maintain the continuity of the
French program at Glashan Public School in 2012 should be considered. He added that if Elgin
Street Public School students are required to change their expectations and go to Glashan
Public School instead of Hopewell Avenue Public School in 2012, then the same should apply
to First Avenue Public School students.
Mr. Higgins responded to a number of trustee queries and the following points were
noted:
Offering another MFI program in the Glebe would not affect Elgin Street
Public School; therefore it was not discussed; and
The majority of students from Elgin Street Public School are capable of
walking to Glashan Public School.
b. Up to 5 Minutes:
i. Sharon Chartier, Glebe Community Association
Speaking in support of the AWC recommendation, Sharon Chartier noted that the
purpose of the Glebe Community Association is to provide a forum for all schools in and
around the Glebe and to advocate for families in the area. She added that the Glebe Community
Association is pleased to see the AWC recommendations; the addition of the classrooms; the
need for additional MFI programs in the community; and strengthening the Core English
programs. Ms. Chartier recommended that a renovation of the entire Mutchmor Public School
be considered.
Concern was expressed regarding the increased usage of the yard across from
Mutchmor Public School (closure several months of the year due to conditions) and the safety
of travelling to the yard.
ii. Gerry Ohlsen and Joan Spice, Centretown Citizens Community Association
- 7 -
Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 30 November 2011
Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South
re Centretown Schools K-6 and English French Immersion Program
at Glashan P.S.
Speaking in support of the AWC recommendation, Gerry Ohlsen and Joan Spice noted
that the Centretown Citizens Community Association also recommends that the implementation
of the redirection to Glashan Public School be undertaken in 2012 for both the Elgin and Glebe
EFI students or, that at a minimum, all those who want to go Glashan Public School be
e parents of current
grade six students at First Avenue Public School to choose either Hopewell Avenue Public
School or Glashan Public School for September 2012. Mr Ohlsen noted that change in
population and demographics in the next five years and will impact school enrolments.
Mr. Ohlsen and Ms. Spice responded to a number of trustee queries and the following
points were noted:
Centretown Citizens Community Association recommends all Glebe students
be directed to Glashan Public School for 2012; and
Centretown Citizens Community Association recommends examining the
overall enrolment numbers and the impact of the delay on each school.
iii. Carol Sissons, Dalhousie Community Association, Support for the Working
Groups Recommendation
Speaking in support of the AWC process and recommendation, Carol Sissons reported
that the Dalhousie Community Association would also recommend that students from the Glebe
entering Grade 7 in 2012 be directed to Glashan Public School rather than waiting until 2013,
in order to maintain consistency in providing the strongest possible Intermediate programs for
Centertown students during the transition period.
c. Up to 3 Minutes:
i. Zoe Oxaal, Delegation of First Avenue P.S. Parents against the Switch
Speaking in support of Scenario 1, Zoe Oxaal indicated that Scenario 1 is simpler, less
disruptive and a less costly solution. Concern was expressed that Scenario 2 would not solve
the issues of over-crowding, underutilization and disruption. Ms. Oxaal noted that given the
level of community division and the relative merits of the scenarios, to adopt Scenario 2 in an
effort to support the community would be misguided.
In response to a query from Trustee Campbell, Ms. Oxaal indicated that in her opinion,
Scenario 1 would solve the issue of EFI overcrowding in the Glebe.
ii. Tim Hore, parent First Avenue P.S. re Supports the Switch Solution
Speaking in support of Scenario 2, Tim Hore reported that the survey results that were
distributed to First Avenue Public School parents showed strong support for the Switch, and
also for the 2012 move of Glebe Public School EFI students to Glashan Public School for
Grade 7. Mr. Hore noted that Scenario 2 would provide the best chance at balancing numbers
across Glebe schools, continuing to offer a variety of strong programs, and ensuring the long
term viability of area schools. He stressed the importance of offering MFI in the Glebe and the
possible impact if disregarded.
- 8 -
Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 30 November 2011
Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South
iii. Cindy Kirk re Support for the Working Group Recommendation including having an
Middle French Immersion Program in the Glebe
Cindy Kirk, parent of students at First Avenue Public School and Hopewell Avenue
Public School, speaking in support of the AWC recommendation, noted that having MFI
alongside English is a key component to maintaining the English program viability in the
community. She added that placing cohorts together in a neighbourhood school where there is
high Immersion demand ensures the sustainability of the English program. She urged staff to
support English programming and the opportunity to place an MFI program in the Glebe
community.
iv. Kylie Taggart
Kylie Taggart, parent of students at Mutchmor Public School and First Avenue Public
School, speaking in support of the AWC recommendation, expressed the view that Scenario 2
was the least disruptive, allows cohorts to stay together, supports strong programs in the
community and would work well as a long-term solution. She added that there would be place
for all the students to enrol in the programs they need, eliminating the possibility of further
discussions on accommodation for the area.
v. Leonore Evans Support for Glebe Hosting a Middle French Immersion Program
Speaking in support of the AWC recommendation, Leonore Evans expressed the view
that a strong English program remains viable if partnered with MFI and enrollment in the
English program may increase if parents come to see it as a viable option. She added that
students are not separated from their cohorts when they transition to MFI.
vii. Louise Aubrey, Parent, First Avenue P.S., re Support for Option 2
Louise Aubrey, parent of a student at First Avenue Public School, speaking in support
of Scenario 2, cited the following reasons:
Provides a good, long-term educational solution for the whole community;
Maintains strong programs as none of the teachers will be lost in the process of
changing locations; and
Keeps the cohort together which is also important to maintaining strong
programs and minimizes the disruption for the children.
viii. Phil Cormier, Parent, First Avenue P.S., re SupporRecommendation
Phil Cormier, parent of a student at First Avenue Public School, speaking in support of
Scenario 2, cited the following reasons:
Gives children access to schools that are within their respective
neighbourhoods;
Enables strong programs by concentrating resources for EFI programs in one
school, and concentrating resources for English-language programs in another;
and
Keeps existing cohorts of students together, so that friends and classmates are
not unduly separated.
- 9 -
Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 30 November 2011
Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South
Mr. Cormier added that concern was expressed regarding staffs omission of an
additional MFI program. He expressed the view that the additional MFI program would be a
valuable option to the community.
ix. David Schwartz, Parent, First Avenue P.S., re Support for Option 2, the Switch
David Schwartz, parent of a student at First Avenue Public School, expressed the view
that Scenario 2 that was presented by First Avenue Public School Council was an informed and
practical approach that is a fair and appropriate compromise to the student accommodation
issues affecting the community.
x. Anna Curtner, Parent Mutchmor P.S., re Support for the Working Group
Recommendation
Anna Curtner, parent of a student at Mutchmor Public School, speaking in support of
the AWC recommendation, noted that choice of education, mutual support of programs and
demand are all factors that should be considered in the decision process. She added that she
urges staff to conduct a formal survey to establish demand for MFI prior to making a decision.
xi. Lisa Furrie, Parent Mutchmor P.S., re Addition of Middle French Immersion Option for
the Glebe
Lisa Furrie, parent of a student at Mutchmor Public School, speaking in support of the
AWC recommendation, noted that Scenario 2 provides additional choice for Glebe residents by
adding another entry point into French Immersion. She added that her child along with others at
Mutchmor Public School have expressed concern regarding the transition to Hopewell Avenue
Public School.
xii. Dan Beer and/or Heather Moncur, Glebe Parents re Support for Scenario 2, the Switch
Written Submission
Dan Beer and Heather Moncur, in support of the AWC recommendation, noted that
Scenario 2 adds capacity on a site that can accommodate it, builds capacity where it's needed,
could result in reduced bussing costs, and would meet Immersion needs both now, and in the
future. She added that this would keep the entire school body together; classmates, friends and
teachers would remain as one, only the location would change.
xiii. Erika Shaker, Support for MFI in the Glebe
Speaking in support of the AWC recommendation, Erika Shaker emphasized the need
for an MFI program at Mutchmor Public School. Ms. Shaker expressed concern with
exclusion of MFI from their proposal in spite of demand for the program. She expressed the
view that not every child is prepared for EFI; however, implementing MFI at Mutchmor Public
School would increase learning opportunities as opposed to simply increasing spaces in the
current model that forces students who want MFI to leave the neighbourhood for an already
overcrowded school.
Ms. Shaker responded to a number of trustee queries and the following points were
noted:
- 10 -
Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 30 November 2011
Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South
First Avenue parents that would have chosen MFI rather than EFI were not
considered
Ms. Shaker expressed the view that offering an MFI program would strengthen
the English program; and
Ms. Shaker expressed the view that providing New Comers to Canada the
opportunity to enrol in MFI later in their education provides a method of
entering French Immersion once English is familiarized.
xiv. S. Van Wyck and B. Jessup, Support for Working Group Recommendation
Written Submission
Speaking in support of the AWC recommendation, S. Van Wyck and B. Jessup noted
the demand for MFI in the Glebe and at Mutchmor Public School. They expressed the view that
program choice in local neighbourhood schools is the single-most important element in the
successful navigation of the system by community children and families.
6. Report 11-197, Centretown/Glebe/Old Ottawa South Accommodation Study
Questions
Staff responded to a number of trustee queries and the following points were noted:
Staff is confident that the 11 classroom addition at Mutchmor Public School will
provide sufficient space for future enrolments. She added that Mutchmor Public
School currently has capacity in the existing structure for additional classrooms;
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) totals are determined by enrolment numbers. Total
enrolment and utilization percentages can differ for 2015 based on increasing
capacity at Mutchmor Public School and the implementation of Full-Day
Kindergarten;
In determining
construction and future housing construction as determined by the City of Ottawa
were considered;
Both staff and the AWC concluded that there would be a future study conducted in
the area north of the Queensway; therefore, Elgin Street Public School remained
status quo and was not included in the study;
Staff reported considerable debate in regards to the 2012 implementation of
Intermediate students redirected to Glashan Public School and although there were
advantages and disadvantages it was concluded that a delay until 2013 would give
both staff and students preparation time, cohorts would transfer concurrently and it
would be less disruptive; and
Based on projected enrolment numbers in EFI for 2015, staff expressed the view
that building an additional strong MFI program would not be feasible in the
foreseeable future.
* * * The 10:30 p.m. vote received the required 2/3 majority to continue the meeting. * * *
Mutchmor Public School and First Avenue Public School currently have child care
programs;
In the past, a child care facility would serve the students of that particular school;
and
Staff indicated the possibility of partnership discussions with current child care
providers at Mutchmor Public School and First Avenue Public School.
- 11 -
Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 30 November 2011
Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South
7. New Business
There was no new business.
8. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:33 p.m.
Bronwyn Funiciello, Chair,
Committee of the Whole (Public)
- 12 -
Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 30 November 2011
Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South