OCDSB Reverses Decision, Opens Kindergarten Registration at Four Schools
In a significant policy reversal, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) has announced it will open kindergarten registration at four elementary schools, after previously stating in December that registration would be closed. This move comes amid fears from parents that without new students, these alternative schools could face closure.
The schools affected are Churchill, Regina Street, Riverview, and Lady Evelyn, all of which host alternative programs that are gradually being phased out. In a message to parents dated March 9, Bob Plamondon, the provincially-appointed supervisor for the OCDSB, confirmed that parents will now have the option to send their children to their designated school or an alternative school site.
Addressing Parent Concerns and Student Well-being
Plamondon emphasized that this change, while impacting a limited number of students, reflects the board's commitment to student success and well-being. He stated, "This supports keeping siblings together and serves families who live close to these schools. Our approach will manage potential school overcrowding without requiring students to change schools."
The decision follows the cancellation of a controversial elementary program review in October, which aimed to address overcrowding but would have forced thousands of students to switch schools abruptly, potentially separating siblings. Instead, OCDSB staff will now conduct localized planning and accommodation studies, starting in the areas surrounding the four schools, to adjust school boundaries as needed.
Background on School Capacity and Parental Response
Parents had expressed concerns that closing kindergarten registration would leave over 200 spots empty across the four schools, putting them at risk of closure due to under-enrollment. Data from last March shows significant underuse: Lady Evelyn had 94 students out of a 361 capacity, Churchill had 302 out of 387, Riverview had 194 out of 384, and Regina Street had 197 out of 300. In contrast, neighboring schools like Broadview are over capacity, with 869 students enrolled against a capacity of 806.
Despite a moratorium on school closures since 2017, Education Minister Paul Calandra has indicated that underused schools in supervised boards, such as the OCDSB which was placed under supervision in June, could face closures. This announcement led parents to organize a protest on March 9, which was cancelled after the reversal was communicated.
The OCDSB's decision aims to balance enrollment pressures while responding to community feedback, ensuring that alternative education options remain available for families in Ottawa.
