OCDSB Elementary Program Review
In April 2024, the OCDSB began the development of a plan for improving the quality and access to programs it offers, citing concerns such as program availability, limited access to French Immersion, and inconsistent supports for special education. The full proposal can be read here.School Boundary Changes
10 months into the proposal development, and less than 2 months before the Trustee vote on the proposal, OCDSB released their proposed attendance boundaries, grade configurations and program offerings under the new model (see report apprendix). Under the new model, WPS goes from offering JK - grade 8 education to offering grades 4-8. Moreover, the new school boundaries displace students currently enrolled at WPS (in grades JK-3) to Regina Street Alternative. For families in Carlingwood and Woodpark, this would require walking up to 3 km (35+ mins).
Why It Matters
It's Dangerous!
Commuting across arterial roads, the LRT corridor, and major construction sites is a risk to children.
It Disconnects Us!
For many families, Regina Street Alternative ranks fifth in terms of distance from their home!
It's Dishonest!
Why does community-based education not apply to our community?
Make your voice heard
Reach out to your representatives
E-mail, call, or visit the representatives below. Let them know how the changes will impact your family and your connection to the community. Here is a template to get you started.
Suzanne Nash
Bay/Kitchissippi (Zone 4) School Trustee
📧 suzanne.nash@ocdsb.ca
📞 613-883-6508
Bay/Kitchissippi (Zone 4) School Trustee
📧 suzanne.nash@ocdsb.ca
📞 613-883-6508
Lynn Scott
Chair of the Board of Trustees
📧 lynn.scott@ocdsb.ca
📞 613-832-3813
Chair of the Board of Trustees
📧 lynn.scott@ocdsb.ca
📞 613-832-3813
Pino Buffone
Director of Education
📧 director@ocdsb.ca
📞 613-596-8219
Director of Education
📧 director@ocdsb.ca
📞 613-596-8219
Chandra Pasma
MPP, Ottawa West–Nepean
📧 CPasma-CO@ndp.on.ca
📞 613-721-8075
MPP, Ottawa West–Nepean
📧 CPasma-CO@ndp.on.ca
📞 613-721-8075
Note that in April (the specific date has not yet been announced), all trustees will vote on the proposal. While it is important to let your elected trustee know your position, you might want to send a copy to the other trustees as well.
Lynn Scott <lynn.scott@ocdsb.ca>, Julia Fortey <julia.fortey@ocdsb.ca>, Donna Blackburn <donna.blackburn@ocdsb.ca>, Suzanne Nash <suzanne.nash@ocdsb.ca>, Amanda Presley <amanda.presley@ocdsb.ca>, Lyra Evans <lyra.evans@ocdsb.ca>, Jennifer Jennekens <jennifer.jennekens@ocdsb.ca>, Donna Dickson <donna.dickson@ocdsb.ca>, Nili Kaplan-Myrth <nili.kaplan-myrth@ocdsb.ca>, Justine Bell <justine.bell@ocdsb.ca>, Matthew Lee <matthewj.lee@ocdsb.ca>, Cathryne Milburn <cathryne.milburn@ocdsb.ca>
Submit feedback to OCDSB
OCDSB is soliciting feedback on the proposed changes until March 25, 2025. Complete the 5 question survey, noting that questions 4 and 5 specifically ask about concerns and clarifications on the changes.Attend the upcoming community meetings
Thursday, March 6 (In-Person)- Daytime session (1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.) at Confederation Education Centre
- Evening sessions (7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.) at Earl of March Secondary School and Gloucester High School
- Daytime session (12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.) at the Rideau Community Hub
- Evening Session (7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.) at Brookfield High School and Longfield-Davidson Heights Secondary School
- Daytime session (12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.) in a virtual format. Register now.
- Evening session (7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.) in a virtual format. Register now.