HomeMy WebLinkAbout05e Delegation Charles Lindt and Nelson RowellDEC 18 '98 13:53 FR NRC INMS 613 952 1394 TO 82392551 P.02iO3
McArthur: The School that Works
McARTHUR SCHOOL COUNCIL
Dec. 21st, 1998
Our school is unique in that it provides vocational and basic life skills to
the learning disabled, autistic, mentally, physically and emotionally disabled
students. It has three special support units and a junior vocational program (this
junior vocational program is the only Board wide program of its kind). Our school
has about 400 students who are taught both academic and vocational subjects to
prepare them to enter the workplace after high school and become contributing
citizens of society.
The needs of our students are interwoven and addressing these needs,
can only be achieved with a total team approach, where they are provided with a
safe and secure environment. In the recent provincial literacy test, the special
education students of the old Ottawa Board of Education substantially exceeded
the provincial norms. More important, however than what the statistics show, is
the impact on the individual student's mental health and self- esteem, which is a
direct result of this supportive learning environment.
Support is essential, to allow our children to go to co -op and work
experience, therefore preparing them to participate in the world of work. With
special education classes such as autistic, community living, orthopedic and
special support units, greater floor space is essential for their mobility, for
example. The provincial formula appears to be missing an envelope which is
required to cover the space, programs and support required for congregated
basic level high schools.
Our School Council feels very strongly that any decisions regarding this
group of high -risk student, with special needs, be based on full information and
an understanding of the needs of these students. We therefore ask you to
seriously consider our concerns. Our children have a right to be treated
equitably.
Sincerely,
Charles W. Wendt and Nelson Rowell
Co- chairpersons
McArthur High School
Ottawa, Ontario
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DEC 18 '98 13:54 FR NRC INMS 613 952 1394 TO 82392551 P.03iO3
A &4rthur: The School that Works
McArthur High School - Facts
Program
Number of Students
Autism
21
Community Living
21
General Vocational
204
Orthopedic
31
Special Support Units
49
Junior Vocational
41
Storefront Program
12
Total
379
Table 1 McArthur High School - Student population per program (source:
McArthur High School Principal's Reports 1998).
% families single parent with female as
head
19.8%
% parent population with less than high
school education
16.5%
parents unemployed
10.9%
% low income families
28.5%
% non - official language families
11.3%
% low income children
144.8%
Table 2 McArthur High School - Student socio demographic characteristics
(source: Region of Ottawa - Carleton, Health Department, 14 October 1998).
Table 3 McArthur High School - Operating budget 1997 -98 (source: Ottawa -
Carleton District School Board Report No. 98 -138).
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Staff
Salaries ($)
Benefits ($)
Total ($)
Per Pupil
Instructional Staff
55.14
2,165,065
322,692
2,487,757
6,395
Non - Instructional Staff
13
403,460
68,589
472,049
1,214
Supplies & Services
1
241,335
620
TOTAL
68.14
1 2,258,525
391,281
3,201,141
8,229
Table 3 McArthur High School - Operating budget 1997 -98 (source: Ottawa -
Carleton District School Board Report No. 98 -138).
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