Why the rush to close schools before the funding formula review is complete?  Our School Trustees were elected to protect our public education system and must act immediately to freeze the planned closing of dozens of Toronto schools. 

Across the city, parents, students and community members are demanding that School Trustees freeze school closings now! 

1. The TDSB’s “consultation” meetings about school closings (ARCs and PARTs*) do not provide a full and fair discussion of the issues. The meetings are manipulative and are designed to limit parent and community participation — and impose school closings.

2. School closings are not good for students. Students face longer walks and it will be harder for parents to visit distant schools. Students will be moved to mega schools, despite decades of positive experience with smaller schools. Many middle schools (various combinations of Grades 6 - 9) are targeted for closure.

3. School closings are not good for communities. School gyms, playing fields, pools and meeting rooms are used by a wide range of community groups. Many schools provide child care, parenting centres and ESL classes. Seniors count on neighbourhood schools for lifelong learning. Communities benefit from schools’ green space. 

4. The funding formula for education is under review by the provincial government this year. Instead of closing schools in 2010, TDSB Trustees must speak out for a funding formula that keeps our neighbourhood schools OPEN! Why the rush to close schools before the funding formula review is complete?

*ARCs and PARTs are processes being used by the TDSB to close schools: ARC (Accommodation Review Committee) and PART (Program Area Review Team)