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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard 25 Oct 2000 Minutes PublicOTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 25 October 2000 The 24 October meeting of the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board continued this evening in the Board Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Nepean, Ontario, commencing at 6:30 p.m. with Trustee Jim Libbey in the chair and the following in attendance: Trustees Cynthia Bled, Albert Chambers, Alex Getty, Lynn Graham, Patty Anne Hill, Russ Jackson, Andrew Lam, Norm MacDonald (by phone), Sheryl MacDonald, Pam Morse and Lynn Scott. Staff: Director of Education and Secretary of the Board, James Grieve; Superintendents Larry Archibald, Rose -Marie Batley, Ross Donaldson, Judith Hoye, Dan Mason, Katharine Saunders and Judy Turriff; Manager, Facilities, Planning and Transportation, Michael Carson; Assistant Secretary of the Board, Joan Melancon; Management, Policy and Planning Advisor, Janice Sargent; Coordinator of Communications, Hyacinth Haddad; Planners, Estelle Butler, Marc Labelle, Janet Sauriol and Mark Smith; Planning Technician, Ian Baxter; A/V Technician Robert Giekes and Committee Coordinator Bruce Fraser. 343. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and noted that it was a continuation of the 24 October 2000 Board meeting. 344. Two Minute Responses from School Councils re School Closures a) Ben Anthony, Mutchmor PS School Council Ben Anthony suggested that the Recapp report is inaccurate with respect to facility renewal and that the renewal costs for Mutchmor are much lower than the report suggests. He noted that if Mutchmor is closed, the utilization factor in the Central Family will be approximately 95% and First Avenue PS will be operating at 104% capacity. Even a small enrolment increase will cause the plan to accommodate students at other schools to fail. He urged the Board to keep Mutchmor open to allow flexibility for future increases and to allow a margin of error in future enrolment projections. b) Anne Teutsch, Merivale PS School Council Anne Teutsch suggested that in the first full year of operation of the new school in Longfields/Davidson Heights, both schools could be filled to capacity. She expressed the viewpoint that staff would not make the same recommendations for school closures following the completion of the Report on Long Term Accommodation Plans. Ms. Teutsch urged that Merivale PS be included in the Area Review outside of the Greenbelt and closed only if it is found to be surplus at that point. C) Brigid Haves, Devonshire PS School Council Brigid Hayes noted that Devonshire Community PS is appropriately named due to the strong parental involvement which has led to the school's academic record of achievement. Devonshire has undergone significant upgrades over the years and is a well - maintained historical building. She noted that Devonshire's catchment area contains the highest density of children of similar sized areas in the region. There is significant residential development projected for the Devonshire area which will leave little margin for error should the school be closed and could result in the receiving schools being unable to accommodate Devonshire's students and maintain existing program quality. -281 - d) Lillian Robinson, Grant Alternative School Council ,, Lillian Robinson submitted that the closure of Grant Alternative School would have a devastating effect on the local community and suggested that the OCDSB would lose students to other boards and private schools. She indicated that the closure of Grant Alternative School will result in overcrowding in both Bayshore PS and Lakeview PS and that closures were rejected in the Alta Vista area for similar projections in enrolment. Ms. Robinson noted that the densely populated Bayshore area continues to grow; therefore, this is not the time or place for school closures. She urged the Board to leave Grant Alternative School open. e) Don Buckingham, Lamira Dow Billings PS School Council Don Buckingham questioned the logic of closing a school that is operating above the Ministry rated capacity and remarked that the closure of L.D. Billings ES will result in significant student disruption. He noted that two alternative closure scenarios advocated by the school council which would result in greater savings to the Board were not given due consideration. He urged trustees to vote against the closure of Lamira Dow Billings ES. f) Marilyn Read - Ellis, Overbrook PS School Council Marilyn Read -Ellis expressed concern that the closure of Overbrook PS will put the students of both the Middle French Immersion (MFI) and the English programs at risk. English students will be crowded into Queen Mary PS and the MFI students will move to Queen Elizabeth, which could result in overcrowding due to the changing demographics of the area. She suggested that the loss of Overbrook PS could result in some parents removing their children from the receiving schools or even the system. Ms. Read -Ellis urged the Board to leave Overbrook PS open and to challenge the government's funding formula. g) Mark Edwards, Elmdale PS School Council Mark Edwards appealed to the trustees' sense of community and advised that Elmdale Public School is a great school and a valuable asset to the surrounding area. Elmdale is a successful dual track school operating at full capacity that should be kept open to meet the needs of the children and adult members of the local community. He stressed that the success of Elmdale PS results from the support of the community and that the school plays a vital role in the area. He urged the Board to maintain the trust of the community and keep Elmdale PS open. h) Pam Lewis, General Vanier PS School Council Pam Lewis expressed the council's viewpoint that growth in the area around General Vanier PS is taking place much faster than projected. The enrolment levels at the school could be increased in part through the repatriation of students from the Quinterra/Riverwood Community and the potential residential development on the McCarthy /Cahill site. Keeping the school open could alleviate future enrolment pressures in Elizabeth Park PS by leaving staff options in the boundary study which will include Elizabeth Park PS, Greely PS, and Manotick PS. Ms. Lewis urged the Board to vote against the closure of General Vanier PS. i) Sharon Chartier, Elgin Street PS School Council Sharon Chartier noted that Elgin Street PS contributes significantly to the health of the local community and commented on the cooperative use of facilities between the school and the Jack Purcell Community Centre. The school has a unique connection with the local business community and includes a program that encourages workers living in the suburbs to bring their children into the core of the city closer to their place of work. Ms. Chartier encouraged the Board to focus on the future and allow Elgin Street School to remain an integral part of the downtown core. -282- Trustee Scott presented additional letters from parents in support of the previous night's delegation from South Carleton High School. 345. Area Review /School Closures (Inside the Greenbelt) Trustee Graham presented the recommendations from the Reports, Committee of the Whole (Area Review /School Closures (Inside the Greenbelt)) 19 & 23 October 2000. She noted that each part of the motion would be debated and voted on separately and requested that all votes be recorded. She also requested, and it was agreed, that the area trustee be allowed to speak on behalf of their schools prior to wrap up by Trustee Scott. (Motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Getty in substitution for Trustee Graham) THAT subject to a review by the Board at the 18 December Board meeting or a special meeting called for that purpose in December, to evaluate the results of the Region's projections, Trustees approve the following school closures, program and boundary adjustments to take effect September, 2001: A. THAT no schools be closed in the Alta Vista/Canterbury family of schools at this time. B. THAT the following closures and related boundary and program adjustments be approved for the East family of schools: B(1) Close Overbrook P.S., effective September 2001 with the following program and student relocations: (i) Redirect JK -6 ENG program students from Overbrook's attendance area to Queen Mary Street Public School; and (ii) Redirect Grades 4 -6 MFI program students from Overbrook's attendance area to Queen Elizabeth Public School. B(2) Close Lamira Dow Billings ES, effective September 2001 with the following program and student relocations: (i) Redirect JK ENG, SK -5 EFI program students from L.D. Billing's attendance area to Robert Hopkins Public School; and a choice of (ii) or (iii) (ii) Redirect Pineview SK -5 EFI program students from L.D. Billing's attendance area to Le Phare Elementary School; or (iii) Redirect Cardinal Heights /Beacon Hill south SK -5 EFI program students from L.D. Billing's attendance area to Le Phare Elementary School. C. THAT the following closures and related boundary and program adjustments be approved for the Near West family of schools: C(1) Close Devonshire School, effective September 2001 with the following program and student relocations: (i) Redirect Devonshire K -6 EFI program students residing west of the CPR tracks to Connaught School; (ii) Accommodate Devonshire K -6 EFI program students residing east of the CPR tracks at Centennial School, within the Central family of schools (see Central family recommendations); (iii) Redirect Devonshire JK ENG program students to the JK -6 ENG program school for their area, based on the JK -6 ENG program boundaries; (iv) Repatriate "out of boundary" Devonshire students to their home schools /families; and (v) Relocate the Connaught congregated Special Education program to Fisher Park School, effective September 2001. C(2) Close Elmdale School, effective September 2001 with the following program and student relocations: -283- (i) Redirect Elmdale JK -6 ENG program students residing west of the CPR tracks to Fisher Park School; (ii) Accommodate Elmdale JK -6 ENG program students residing east of the CPR tracks at Cambridge Street School, within the Central family of schools (see Central family recommendations); (iii) Redirect Elmdale K -6 EFI program students to Hilson School; (iv) Repatriate "out of boundary" Elmdale students to their home schools /families; and (v) Relocate the Hilson congregated Special Education program to Fisher Park School, effective September 2001. D. THAT no schools be closed in the Queensway South/Knoxdale family of schools at this time D(1) THAT the redirection of Qualicum /Graham Park students, be referred back to staff for further consideration and a report to the Board early in May 2001. E. That a boundary study and possible adjustments for Blossom Park PS, Elizabeth Park PS, Greely ES, and Manotick PS be completed by the end of January 2001 for implementation in September 2001. THAT the following closures and related boundary and program adjustments be approved for the South West family of schools: F(1) That Merivale PS be closed effective upon the opening of the new elementary school in Longfields/Davidson Heights with the following program and student relocations: (i) That Merivale's student body residing north of Fallowfield Road be redirected to Meadowlands for JK -6 ENG and to Parkwood Hills for SK -6 EFI; and (ii) That the Centrepointe East community be directed to Manordale for SK -6 EFI, coincident with the closure of Merivale PS and opening of the new elementary school in Longfields /Davidson Heights community. In speaking to the motion, Trustee Scott remarked that she took no pleasure in putting the motion on the floor and that she understands the concerns of the parents of students in the schools that have been named in the closure recommendations. She also understands the concerns of parents in other schools that are experiencing accommodation problems and the Board's dilemma in dealing with an additional $23 million in reductions. Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Jackson, moved in amendment THAT "subject to a review by the Board at the 18 December Board meeting or a special meeting called for that purpose in December, to evaluate the results of the Region's projections" be deleted from the first paragraph and that a second paragraph be added to read as follows: THAT disposition of the schools closed as a result of the process begun by the Board's 8 March 2000 resolution not be permitted, until further decision of the Board by 18 December 2000 at the latest, following review of the Region's demographic information. Note: The motion incorporates a friendly amendment by Trustee Lam to include "at the latest" following "18 December 2000." Trustee Getty, seconded by Trustee Morse, moved THAT Trustee Graham's amendment be deferred until the discussion regarding the disposition of property later in the meeting. The motion to defer was defeated on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty, Hill, Morse and Scott (4) AGAINST: Trustees Bled, Chambers, Graham, Lam, Libbey, and Sheryl MacDonald (6) ABSTENTIONS: Trustees Jackson and Norm MacDonald (2) -284- N In speaking to the amendment Trustee Graham expressed the view that it maintains the integrity of the legal • opinion provided by legal counsel, while at the same time recognizing the importance of the public's desire to • include the new demographic information in the decision making process. Trustees speaking in favour of the motion expressed the view that to delay the disposition process would provide the new Board with an opportunity to review the new demographic information to ensure that any school closure decisions are based on all available facts. Trustees speaking against the motion expressed the view that the current demographic information is sound and that delaying the decision process would be an abdication of the Board's responsibilities if the process is turned over to the incoming Board. In wrap up, Trustee Graham reiterated the community's desire to have the new demographic information reviewed and remarked that the Board should consider public opinion. The amendment to the preamble carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Bled, Chambers, Graham, Jackson, Lam, Libbey and Sheryl MacDonald (7) AGAINST: Trustees Getty, Hill, Morse, Norm MacDonald and Scott (5) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) 346. Alta Vista/Canterbury Family of Schools A. THAT no schools be closed in the Alta Vista/Canterbury family of schools at this time. The motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Chambers, Getty, Graham, Hill, Jackson, Lam, Libbey, Norm MacDonald, Sheryl MacDonald, Morse and Scott (11) AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENTION: Trustee Bled (1) 347. East Family of Schools B. THAT the following closures and related boundary and program adjustments be approved for the east family of schools: B(I) Close Overbrook PS, effective September 2001 with the following program and student relocations: (i) redirect JK -6 ENG program students from Overbrook's attendance area to Queen Mary Street Public School; and (ii) redirect Grades 4 -6 MFI program students from Overbrook's attendance area to Queen Elizabeth Public School. In speaking to the motion Trustee Bled expressed the view that the closing of Overbrook PS goes against the Board's commitment to local schools and ignores the wishes of the local community. She noted that the local community is happy with the school in its current condition and that there are no safety concerns with the building. Other Trustees speaking against the motion expressed the view that the expected savings from the closure are not realistic and that the condition of the school is acceptable to the community. In response to a query, staff advised that repairs to the basement of the building were performed as a temporary solution to an immediate problem. -285- Trustees speaking in support of the motion noted that the Board must close underutilized facilities to obtain funding for new schools and that the demographics indicate a decline in long term enrolment in this area. It was noted that the Board must be aware of the significant maintenance costs associated with aging buildings and that as much funding as possible should be directed to the classroom. Trustee Jackson expressed concern regarding potential overcrowding should the Board close both Overbrook PS and Lamira Dow Billings ES and expressed the view that one of the schools should remain open. In wrap up Trustee Scott noted that over 250 surplus pupil spaces will still remain in the east family of schools with a decision to close Overbrook PS. She commented that enrolment levels in the area are not high enough to allow fiscal responsibility and that the Board should consider the entire family of schools when making closure decisions. The motion to close Overbrook, B(1) above, and the redirections in B(1) (i) and (ii) was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty, Hill, Jackson, Lam, Libbey, Norm MacDonald, Morse and Scott (8) AGAINST: Trustees Bled, Chambers, Graham and Sheryl MacDonald, (4) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) B(2) Close Lamira Dow Billings ES, effective September 2001 and direct staff to bring back recommendations for program and student relocations to the *next Board meeting. Note: The motion incorporates a friendly amendment by Trustee Morse to direct staff to bring back recommendations for program and student relocations to the *next Board meeting. (* 14 November 2000) In speaking against the motion, Trustee Bled expressed concern regarding the school closure process and submitted that the Board should be considering alternative methods. She noted that Lamira Dow Billings is located in a growth area and that the space savings due to closure will not have a significant impact on the usage factor for the east family of schools. Other Trustees speaking against the motion suggested that the Board must ensure that any closure decisions involve the correct schools. The Board should look at as many factors as possible when considering school closures such as program delivery, future space requirements and accurate demographic projections. Trustees speaking in favour of the motion noted that although the decision to close any school is difficult, the demographics and program delivery options for the area have been thoroughly studied and the staff recommendation to close the school is appropriate. Several trustees expressed the view that the Board must consider all students when considering school closures and that it must provide the new Board with as much assistance as possible to deal with future budget reductions. In response to a query, staff advised that the option of converting Henry Munro to a Grade 5 - 8 school and Robert Hopkins and Le Phare to JK - 4 schools was discussed during former Quadrant C reviews, but was not received favourably by the community. The motion to close Lamira Dow Billings, B(2) above, was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty, Hill, Libbey, Norm MacDonald, Morse and Scott (6) AGAINST: Trustees Bled, Chambers, Graham, Lam, and Sheryl MacDonald, (5) ABSTENTION: Trustee Jackson (1) -286- 348. Near West Family of Schools C. THAT the following closures and related boundary and program adjustments be approved for the Near West family of schools: C(1) Close Devonshire School, effective September 2001 and direct staff to bring recommendations for program and student relocations to the *next Board meeting. Note: The motion incorporates a friendly amendment by Trustee Morse directing staff to bring back recommendations for program and student relocations to the *next Board meeting." (* 14 November 2000). In speaking against the motion, Trustee Chambers expressed the view that there are better options available that the new Board could implement. The staff recommendations will result in overcrowded schools, reduced day care options, low enrolment in Early French Immersion programs and will keep people from relocating to the core of the city. Trustee Chambers, seconded by Trustee Graham, moved, in amendment, as follows: THAT trustees defer consideration of the proposed school closures in the Central family and the Near West family and the disposition of McNabb Park School be deferred and that staff be directed to bring forward to the new Board in December 2000 two additional closure options, as set out below, for community consultation to be completed at the earliest possible date in 2001: Option 1: a) closure of Centennial School, effective September 2001 with the following program and student relocations: (i) redirect the JK - 6 English program students from Centennial PS to Elgin Street PS; (ii) redirect the Special Education Program students from Centennial to Hilson Public School; (iii) redirect the SK - 6 EFI students from Elgin PS to Devonshire Community PS. b) the partial closure of the "North" wing of Fisher Park School and its disposition. Option 2: a) closure of Centennial School, effective September 2001 with the following program and student relocations: (i) redirect the JK -6 English program students from Centennial PS to McNabb Public School; (ii) redirect the Special Education Program students from Centennial to Hilson Public School; (iii) redirect the SK - 6 EFI students from Elgin Street PS to Devonshire Community PS. b) the closure of Elgin Street PS, effective September 2001 with the following program and student relocations: (i) redirect the JK -6 English program students from Elgin Street PS to McNabb Public School; (ii) redirect the SK - 6 EFI students from Elgin PS to Devonshire Community PS. C) the partial closure of the "North" wing of Fisher Park School and its disposition. d) the relocation of the Richard Pfaff Centre to the Elgin Street PS site should the Board retain possession following circulation to the list of preferred purchasers. Trustee Scott, on a point of order, questioned the validity of the amendment. The Assistant Secretary confirmed Trustee Chambers' position that the Board's legal counsel had advised that a deferral with respect to a specific school would be in order. She noted however, the proposal would mean that a new process would have to be initiated for that community. In response to a trustee query, Director Grieve advised that it would be difficult for staff to meet the timelines proposed in the amendment. In response to a point of order by Trustee Jackson, the Chair ruled that the amendment was out of order as the same result could be achieved by defeating the amendment. -287- Trustee Chambers submitted that the closure of Devonshire PS would be very detrimental to the community and reiterated his concerns regarding program delivery and the loss of day care options. He emphasized the strong parental involvement in an excellent academic school and urged trustees to vote against the closure of Devonshire PS. Several Trustees who spoke against the motion expressed the view that the closure of Devonshire would result in weaker programs at the receiving schools and that the Central and Near West families of schools have not been reviewed equitably due to time limitations. In response to a number of queries, staff confirmed that future development in the area had been factored in and that a significant increase in school age population in this area is not expected over the long term. A potential for overcrowding at Connaught PS could be addressed through boundary adjustments and the staff recommendation attempted to minimize the level of student disruption. The motion to close Devonshire PS, C(1) above, was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty, Hill, Jackson, Norm MacDonald, Morse and Scott (6) AGAINST: Trustees Chambers, Graham, Lam, Libbey, and Sheryl MacDonald, (5) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) C(2) Close Elmdale School, effective September 2001 with the following program and student relocations: (i) Redirect Elmdale JK -6 ENG program students residing west of the CPR tracks to Fisher Park School; (ii) Accommodate Elmdale JK -6 ENG program students residing east of the CPR tracks at Cambridge Street School, within the central family of schools (see central family recommendations); (iii) Redirect Elmdale K -6 EFI program students to Hilson School; (iv) Repatriate 'but of boundary" Elmdale students to their home schools /families; (v) Relocate the Hilson congregated special education program to Fisher Park School, effective September 2001 In speaking to the motion, Trustee Scott noted that there are still some outstanding questions regarding the number of surplus pupil spaces in this area and there will be an opportunity to review the situation later should the demographic information change. Other Trustees speaking in support of the motion reiterated the need for new school funding in high growth areas. Trustee Chambers noted his objections to the closure of Elmdale PS citing the highly successful dual track program and the high percentage (80 %) of the student population that is within walking distance. He submitted that the security of students at Fisher Park School was questionable due to the open access granted to the public through the terms of the lease. Trustee Chambers expressed the view that the closure will result in excessive student disruption and urged trustees to vote against the closure of Elmdale PS. Trustees speaking against the motion noted the low operating costs of Elmdale PS, the academic success of the school and the high percentage of students who are able to walk to the local community school. The motion to close Elmdale PS, C(2) above, and the redirections in C(2) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v), was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty, Hill, Jackson, Norm MacDonald, Morse and Scott (6) AGAINST: Trustees Chambers, Graham, Lam, Libbey, and Sheryl MacDonald, (5) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) -288- 61-" On a motion by Trustee Morse, seconded by Trustee Getty the meeting continued past 11:00 p.m. 349. Queensway South/Knoxdale Family of Schools D. THAT no schools be closed in the Queensway South/Knoxdale family of schools at this time, The motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty, Graham, Hill, Lam, Libbey, Norm MacDonald, Sheryl MacDonald, Morse and Scott (9) AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) D(1) THAT the redirection of Qualicum /Graham Park students, be referred back to staff for further consideration and a report to the Board, including school closure options, early in May 2001: Note: The motion incorporates a friendly amendment by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Getty, to add "including school closure options ". The motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty, Graham, Hill, Jackson, Lam, Libbey, Norm MacDonald, Morse and Scott (9) AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENTION: Trustee Sheryl MacDonald (1) 350. South East Family of Schools E. THAT a boundary study and possible adjustments for Elizabeth Park PS, Greely ES, and Manotick PS be completed by the end of January 2001 for implementation in September 2001. In speaking to the motion, Trustee Morse expressed the view that the area is under stress due to high enrolment levels. The proposed boundary study will help to temporarily alleviate the problem but a long -term solution is required. In response to trustee queries, staff advised that a larger review could be undertaken depending on the results of school closure decisions. In wrap up Trustee Scott reiterated that the review is a temporary solution and that a review encompassing more schools will be required in the future. The motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty, Graham, Hill, Jackson, Lam, Libbey, Norm MacDonald, Sheryl MacDonald, Morse and Scott (10) AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) -289- 351. South West Family of Schools F. THAT the following closure and related boundary and program adjustments be approved for the South West family of schools: J F(1) Close Merivale PS effective upon the opening of the new elementary school in Longfields/Davidson Heights, and direct staff to bring recommendations for program and student relocations to the Board meeting on 28 November 2000. Note: The motion incorporates a friendly amendment by Trustee Lam to direct staff to bring back recommendations for program and student relocations to the Board meeting on 28 November 2000." Trustee Scott remarked that the Board has committed to construct a school in Longfields/Davidson Heights and the closure of Merivale PS upon the completion of that school is logical. Trustee Norm MacDonald noted that the population in the Longfields/Davidson Heights area is expected to double in approximately seven years and that it would be prudent to leave Merivale PS open to handle the potential growth. Several trustees expressed concern over potential overcrowding at Parkwood Hills PS and Meadowlands PS. The motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Chambers, Getty, Hill, Jackson, Lam, Libbey, Morse and Scott (8) AGAINST: Trustees Graham, Norm MacDonald and Sheryl MacDonald (3) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) This completed consideration of the recommendations from the Committee of the Whole meetings. 352. Elgin Street Public School Trustee Morse, seconded by Trustee Jackson, moved as follows: THAT Elgin Street Public School be closed, effective September 2001 and staff be directed to bring recommendations for program and student relocations to the 28 November 2000 Board meeting. Trustee Morse remarked that enrolment in the area is declining and the Board must maximize the number of closures in order to gain the maximum amount of funding for new schools. She expressed the view that keeping Elgin St. PS open will not solve urban overcrowding. Several Trustees expressed concerns regarding student safety as well as the costs associated with the redirection of students to York Street PS if Elgin Street PS is closed. Trustee Chambers expressed support for Elgin Street PS noting that it is an integral part of the community, serving the needs of both children and adults. He commented that the close ties between the school and the Jack Purcell Community Centre make it a very valuable asset to the local area and urged Trustees to keep Elgin PS open. The motion to close Elgin Street PS was defeated on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty, Jackson, Norm MacDonald and Morse (4) AGAINST: Trustees Chambers, Graham, Hill, Lam, Libbey, Sheryl MacDonald and Scott (7) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) -290- Trustee Sheryl MacDonald, seconded by Trustee Graham moved adjournment to 30 November 2000. On a point of order, Trustee Morse expressed the view that the motion to adjourn was out of order as she still had the floor. The Assistant Secretary advised that a motion to adjourn is always in order provided the current speaker is not interrupted. The Chair ruled the motion in order as he had asked if there was anything further before allowing the motion to adjourn. Trustee Jackson challenged the ruling of the Chair. A vote was held, and the ruling of the Chair was overturned. 353. Grant Alternative School Trustee Morse, seconded by Trustee Getty, moved as follows: THAT Grant Alternative School be closed, effective September 2001 and staff be directed to bring recommendations for program and student relocations to the 28 November 2000 Board meeting. Trustee Morse reiterated her view that the Board must maximize the number of closures in order to gain the maximum amount of funding for new schools. Several Trustees expressed the view that the closing of Grant Alternative School would reduce flexibility for the delivery of the alternative program and that the Board should consider the sensitivity of the students in this type of environment. Trustee Hill expressed that all of her previously expressed views on the closing of the school remain unchanged and that closure of Grant Alternative School will raise enrolment levels in the receiving schools to unacceptable levels. She urged the Board to vote against the closure of Grant Alternative School. The motion to close Grant Alternative School was defeated on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty and Morse (2) AGAINST: Trustees Chambers, Graham, Hill, Jackson, Lam, Libbey, Norm MacDonald, Sheryl MacDonald and Scott (9) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) 354. Mutchmor Public School Trustee Morse, seconded by Trustee Jackson, moved as follows: THAT Mutchmor Public School be closed, effective September 2001 and staff be directed to bring recommendations for program and student relocations to the 28 November 2000 Board meeting. Trustees speaking in favour of the motion expressed the view that the closure of Mutchmor would be manageable and that options for the redirection of students are possible. Trustees speaking against the motion expressed the view that the Board has achieved the 90% utilization rate inside the Greenbelt and that the closure of Mutchmor is not necessary. Several trustees expressed the view that the receiving school populations leave no buffer for potential growth and that safety concerns could become an issue due to limited yard space at the receiving schools. Trustee Graham acknowledged the need to consider school closures, but questioned whether the correct schools are being recommended. Mutchmor is the only one of the four schools in the area that has a degree of flexibility to address high enrolment levels and that closure will mean there is no margin for error in population projections. She remarked that while utilization factors are important, consideration of other criteria such as safety (W and usability should also be taken into account when considering a school for closing. She urged Trustees to keep Mutchmor PS open. -291 - The motion to close Mutchmor PS was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty, Hill, Jackson, Norm MacDonald, Morse and Scott (6) AGAINST: Trustees Chambers, Graham, Libbey, and Sheryl MacDonald (4) ABSTENTION: Trustee Lam (1) 355. General Vanier Public School Trustee Morse, seconded by Trustee Getty, moved as follows: THAT General Vanier Public School be closed, effective September 2001 and that staff be directed to bring recommendations for program and student relocations to the 28 November 2000 Board meeting. Trustee Lam reiterated his previous view that residential growth in the area is imminent and that closing General Vanier PS will result in overcrowding situations at many schools in the area. He noted that the South East is the most overcrowded family of schools within the Greenbelt. Other Trustees speaking against the motion noted the high student populations in the area and that the long term projections show only a very slight decline. Trustees speaking in support of the motion cited the problems encountered by high growth areas outside the Greenbelt where transportation over long distances is required due to the shortage of schools in the local areas. The motion to close General Vanier PS was defeated on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty, Morse and Norm MacDonald (3) AGAINST: Trustees Chambers, Graham, Hill, Jackson, Lam, Libbey, Sheryl MacDonald and Scott (8) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) In response to a query by Trustee Graham regarding the opportunity for community input on redirection options for students and program relocations, staff advised that it will be difficult to predict the timing of the process until staff review the implications of the school closure decisions. Staff agreed to provide further information at Monday night's meeting. On a motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Getty, the meeting adjourned to 30 October 2000 at 7:00 p.m. for the in camera session to be followed by the public meeting. James P. Grieve Director of Education and Secretary of the Board /bf -292- Jim Libbey Chair of the Board F1