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OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, June 5, 2009 · 4 Board made a good decision last year Continued from page 1 under-enrolled ones?" Another concern she cited is the division of the southeast Oakville community, as this model would see students north and south of Cornwall Road stay in their respective areas. "I don't believe in segregating children," Ellis said. "I don't believe that we expected some people to be bused for 20 years south to keep schools open. I don't believe kids should not be bused north. There's lots of contradictions and lots of double standards." Joudrie's report shows that Maple Grove will be a French-immersion, Grade 1-8 and English-track, Grade 78 school. It will have a student body of about 585 in 2010. Clearview will be a dual-track, JKGrade 8 school. It has an enrolment projection of about 430 for its opening in fall 2010. No students living south of Cornwall Road will be bused north to Clearview in this recommendation. Chisholm and New Central are both slated to be English-track, JK-Grade 6 schools. They will have student bodies of approximately 338 and 300 students, respectively, in September 2010. Joudrie said this is the best possible solution to address declining enrolment in southeast Oakville. "All of the schools in that model are a good size and offer quality programming to our students," Joudrie said. "Maple Grove, in this model, will be at about 550 and would have a solid intermediate component in terms of staff." He said it also gives kids in different areas of southeast Oakville access to a school. "From a community perspective, this model provides a geographic balance, in terms of east, west and north," he said. Joudrie cited the positive cash flow of $3.8 million for the board, and a decrease in students bused, from 858 to 567, as two more perks of the current recommendation. "Busing is not about busing, it's about the collateral of having kids be able to walk to school and not be dependent on buses," he said. Joudrie's rationale was not enough to appease several trustees. "This hybrid is an insult to the work we've done the past two years and I've never been more disappointed in a report that's come to this board," said Mary-Elizabeth Dilly, Ward 1 and 2 Burlington trustee. Another point of contention among "I know we made a good decision on July 2." Philippa Ellis, trustee trustees was the transition of students from Chisholm and New Central to Maple Grove for Grades 7 and 8. Joudrie said at the start of the consultation process earlier this year that a non-negotiable was JK-Grade 8 schools to minimize transitions. Superintendent Stuart Miller said his staff studied academic performance regarding student transitions. American studies showed transitional students in inner city schools in the United States demonstrated a decline in achievement. Yet, Canadian studies, in Ottawa and Calgary, revealed transitional students showed no significant academic impact. This research was not good enough for Peggy Russell, Ward 4 Burlington trustee, who said she personally saw high dropout rates among transitional students in Malton. "We have to stop shifting kids around and stop looking at them like numbers," said Russell. Other trustees agreed, saying their personal experience outweighs the research, especially when it comes to students fitting in and feeling a sense of community at their new schools. "I don't live in Malton or Calgary or other areas of the United States, but I do live in an area where we have a JK5 school going into a JK-8 school and I'm telling you right now the transition for the children and the parents of going to one school to another is a challenge," said Gerry Ockenden, Ward 1 and 2 Halton Hills trustee. The decision to break the other non-negotiable of no schools with fewer than 450 students was also a problem for trustees. "I disagree with schools under 450 or 500 students," said Kathryn Bateman-Olmstead, Ward 4 Oakville. Some trustees said they had a good solution for the community, citing the initial July 2, 2008 decision. "I know we made a good decision on July 2," Ellis said. "But how can we make this work so we can have the neighbourhood schools as much as possible, minimize busing as much as possible? I think we're getting there and I'm hopeful over the next two weeks we'll find a way to come to an agreement. I want the children and community to heal." The July 2, 2008 decision would have seen the closure Brantwood, Linbrook, Chisholm and New Central public schools and build a school in Clearview. The two remaining southeast Oakville schools, E. J. James and Maple Grove, were to be renovated. However, that decision was not satisfactory to many local residents, leading to a petition sent to the Ministry of Education. The ministry appointed David Cooke, former Ontario minister of education, to review the board's decision. Cooke's report recommended the board find a new solution. The board agreed to revisit the issue and held a community consultation. A public meeting to introduce the recommendation to the community was scheduled for last night. A delegation night is scheduled for Monday, June 15 at the board office in Burlington. Joudrie said if the delegation night results in changes to the recommendation, the decision date could be pushed past June 17, but a final decision is desired before the end of June. For more information, visit www.hdsb.ca. If you don't live at Delmanor Glen Abbey, here's your chance to act like you do! We never need an excuse to have some fun but this month is extra special. All our events are open to you and a friend, just call ahead to reserve as space is limited. You'll see firsthand why we're the community of choice for anyone too busy to act retired. Feeling impulsive? Then drop in any weekday between 10 and 4 for a special tour and tea or coffee. Don't forget to ask about our anniversary incentives. Just call (905) 469-3232 to reserve your spot at one of these exciting 5th ANNIVERSARY MONTH events: Wed., June 10 ­ 12:00 p.m. Travelogue on Portugal with a Portuguese themed luncheon Mon., June 15th ­ 12:00 p.m. Community BBQ lunch ­ entertainment by a Square Dancing group Tues., June 16 ­ 3:00 p.m. Join us for Tea and entertainment by guitarist Mike McConnell Wed. June 17 ­ 3:00 p.m. Entertainment by Pianist Cheryl Dickson-Neal with an Ice Cream Social They're sure to move you. 905-469-3232 www.delmanor.com 1459 Nottinghill Gate west of Dorval, off Upper Middle Thurs., June 18 ­ 5:00 ­ 8 p.m. 5th ANNIVERSARY GALA Fri., June 19 ­ 1:00 p.m. Canasta Social with lunch Sat., June 20 ­ 12:00 ­ 2:00 p.m. Father's Day BBQ