We are now being told that some members of the Boundary Review Committee (BRC) are now voicing anger at how their Option 5 recommendation has not only been modified but also presented in the HDSB’s report that is being submitted to the trustees tomorrow evening.
The BRC’s original Option 5 clearly stated and was heavily debated stating that the entry of French Immersion programming had to be delayed and could not be available when the new high school was opened.
The rationale many believed was to ensure that the community got into the school and that there was space for the community first before considering any optional programming. Although this was never officially stated as the rationale, many in the community became involved and/or kept updated on the accommodation process because community schools have as of late not been provided to local kids.
Lets all not forget the West Oak Trail’s elementary school that was taken away from the community and given instead exclusively to FI programming students.
So now even members of the BRC along with community members are expressing outrage at the fact that not only was that the single most important issue for this new high school completely ignored and reversed but it seems to many presented in such a manner that it suggests that the committee itself recommended what is in this report.
Here is some of the area causing the issue:
“The new recommendations are as follows:
Be it resolved that the Halton District School Board adjust the boundaries for the secondary schools in Oakville as outlined in Scenario 5, Report 11090, effective September 2012.
Be it resolved that SRA #103 provide Grade 9 and 10 English programming in the year 2012-2013, add Grade 11 in 2013-2014 and add Grade 12 in 2014-2015.
Be it resolved that SRA #103, provide Grade 9 French Immersion Programming in September 2015 with an additional grade added in each successive year.
Be it resolved that consideration be given to initiating the Grade 9 French Immersion program prior to September 2015, in the year that sufficient enrolment exists within the SRA #103 French Immersion boundaries, for two Grade 9 French Immersion classes
Be it resolved that Grade 11 and 12 English program students within the SRA # 103 boundaries, attending White Oaks Secondary School in 2012-2013, continue at White Oaks Secondary School until such time as they graduate. Transportation will be provided for these students.
Be it resolved that students who initiate their program in Grade 9 at T.A. Blakelock High School due to the unavailability of program at SRA #103 be allowed to continue at T. A. Blakelock High School until they graduate, with transportation.
….
In addition the report concludes the following:
Rationale for Scenario #5:
• It was one of the recommendations of the Boundary Review Committee and received favourable feedback in the public consultation process;
Conclusion: Scenario 5, including the potential addition of Grade 9 French Immersion programming starting in the 2012/2013 school year, does address most of the criteria as identified during this boundary review process. As well, the additional recommendation of providing a Grade 9 French Immersion program also attempts to address and mitigate the issues with minimal impact to existing and future secondary school students within Oakville.”
The BRC was clear that the FI program had to be delayed for several years. It was included in its final recommendation. Much debate occurred regarding this and was acknowledge at public meetings the board held. We heard the board discuss this ourselves at the Abbey Park High School meeting. The board seemed to want to make it clear to the public that recommendations were carefully debated and devised by the members putting personal preferences and biases aside but instead recommendations were made to benefit the entire community.
The HDSB’s recommendation report not only includes FI programming students immediately but for community members they believe it also implies that immediate entry of FI was part of Option 5, meets criteria, etc. To them, it does exactly the opposite. Considering the board themselves told the public that the recommendations presented and considered were in the best interest of the entire community, why is the most important single issue it seems (FI entry) being reversed.
We are hearing outrage from all corners including members of the BRC who state they feel completely duped by the board.
What was the purpose of having them recommend when the single most important recommendation …that being delaying optional programming was not only ignored but actually completely overturned.
Some members and community residents are now stating they believe some members of the HDSB always intended on forcing the optional FI program into the school immediately even before the process ever started. They tell us they are, however, completely shocked that unlike the Palermo process the ‘hijacking’ has taken place at the report recommendation level not at the trustee vote table.
Many are now also stating that the last 3 accommodation processes have been a complete waste of time as the HDSB seems never intent on listening to the English or mandated community.
In addition, we are now being told that the boundary presented to the BRC for FI would not allow enough enrollment for the 2 classes being recommended. As such, we are being told that members believe a trustee will table a motion tomorrow evening to use ‘flexible boundaries’ or amend the boundaries to ensure there is enough enrollment to force the FI program on day 1.
We want to be clear that we do not know what the outcome of tomorrow’s night meeting will be either regarding amended boundaries or recommendations but we can tell you that the community is contacting us and telling us they are beyond frustrated at what they believe is the lack of honesty and transparency in Halton.
Many are now asking openly when will the HDSB follow the principles of the process they promise and when will mandated programming either be represented and/or put first at this board.
Many are also now promising to make this an election issue if the will of the people and what they recommended is changed from what was originally put forward.
Now many are asking for Ministry investigation and/or intervention.
Let us know what you think.
Everyone should come out and see for themselves how this system actually works! Wasn’t “Transparency” a key buzz word in the last election. Ridiculous.
Could not agree more. I sat in the room during the recent debate for special education after this board gave funding to young kids ahead of the 700 who waited honestly in line for services and testing. To hear the arrogance of how much they care and what they do for us was disgusting. Arrogance, incompetence and immoral were the words that came to mind. Once again transparency does not exist. They don’t care….they need to be kicked out of office.