Public consultations begin on future of Ottawa Secondary Schools

Public discussion is set to begin on majjor changes to French language training, junior high school and the International BaccalaureateProgram in Ottawa's Public School System. Parents and students can weigh inonproposals designedto increase educational opportunities for all students attending Ottawa public high schools,reducing the need for students to transfer schools, buslong distances, or disrupttheir education in search of special programs. T

Four key recommendations are up fordiscussion:

1. French Immersion and core French in every high school

Both programs would be offered in neighbourhood schools.

"So that students can stay in their community schools and have those two options. So that students have a choice." said Shirley Seaward, OCDSB chair.

2. Expansion of the International Baccalaureate District Program

Opening a second site in an Ottawa- West location would give additional opportunities for deserving students.
Currently the two year, internationally recognized, enriched program is offered exclusivelyat Colonel By High School in the city's east end.
Last year, 66 percent of qualified grade nine students across the district were were turned downbecause of lack of space in the program.

3. Eliminating junior high schools.

Two solutions-designatedelementary schools that feed into high schools will offer grades kindergarten to seven- while otherhigh schools will offer grades seven to 12.

" The good news is that we have, by looking at other examples around the province, that both models work." In densely populated areas, it may make more sense to install the K to 8 model." said Seaward.

4. Expansion of opportunities for specialist training.

A Specialist High Skills Majors allows for hands on experience and concentrated training in certain fields such as construction and electronics. The Board wants feed back from students and parents about the demand for expanding these programs.

Public consultations are scheduled for -

April 12, 7:00 p.m. - Gloucester High School, Auditorium, 2060 Ogivlie Road, Gloucester
April 13, 7:00 p.m. - Confederation Education Centre, Cafetorium, 1645 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa
April 27, 7:00 p.m. - Hillcrest High School, 1900 Dauphin Road, Ottawa

May 5. 7:00 p.m. - A.Y. Jackson Secondary School, 150 Abbeyhill Drive, Kanata

An online disussion forum on Google Hangout- is slated for April 28.

The proposals are the result of a four year study of local high schools by the Ottawa Carleton District School Board.