Tell OCDSB Trustees to vote no. We ask:

• To keep current Connaught boundaries so students can continue their education in their community, in both French Immersion and Extended English, aligned with the principles of the EPR.

• If no amendments are made for Connaught boundaries, grandparenting be an option.

• The evidence to support all changes recommended in the EPR be made publicly available. 

The proposed boundary change at Connaught undermines the principles of the EPR and demonstrates how the principles are being applied unevenly.

• Sibling separation - Siblings will be split to access Enhanced English and French Immersion tracks with no bilingual option in either school for affected families at Connaught.

• Longer commutes - Most students will walk, double the distance, past Connaught to go to Devonshire, counter to community-based learning. The ability to walk to school will drop from 96% to 50%, with families switching to car travel.

• Childcare access - 73% of affected families need childcare at Connaught. The proposal provides no clarity on before/after care availability at Devonshire.

• High cost for our kids  - As students at Connaught transition to a grade 7 to 8 school, those in junior years (grade 4 to 6) will experience two transitions in a short time frame. This is significant for the most resilient kids, and especially unfair for these kids who have had to be resilient entering school during COVID.

• Lack of publicly available evidence to support recommended changes despite claims of a data-informed approach.

• Grandparenting - Lack of clear rules for exceptions, undermining the goal of a smooth, supportive transition. Process for grandparenting places burden on parents and disadvantages some as those with the time and ability to advocate are more likely to participate.

• Special education - If SPCs were the least inclusive option, removing them doesn’t automatically ensure inclusion—without resourced and structured alternatives, it may result in further exclusion. Report mentions 32 FTEs through the 26 programs being cut. We question the level of support 32 people would be able to provide across more than 100 elementary schools. 

• Rushed, exclusive process limiting number of voices - The consultation process was not inclusive, sessions were held outside of the downtown core, during the month of Ramadan, without targeted opportunities for families from many of the schools that will remain Enhanced English to have a voice. 

Contact us: connaughtisourcommunity@gmail.com