Rainbow board recommends changes to area schools

There are changes ahead for students who attend schools in the Rainbow District School Board. During its regular board meeting Monday night the administrative council presented its recommendations to trustees concerning the renewal of Sudbury Secondary School, Sudbury West area schools and Warren Central Public School.

They have recommended that Sudbury Secondary School be right-sized to accommodate 900 students; be a barrier-free, environmentally friendly building that is healthy and sustainable and that sufficient parking be provided for all employees and visitors. It was also recommended that the school’s Sheridan Auditorium be refurbished and that items of historical significance be preserved.

As for Lively District Secondary School, the council is recommending it remain open, but that Grade 7 and 8 students from R.H. Murray Public School, Jessie Hamilton Public School and George Vanier Public School be transferred to the school, effective September 2008. They are also proposing that a French Immersion program be offered at the high school, providing there is a cohort of 25 students in the academic program in Grade 9.

As a result of moving younger students into the high school, area schools including George Vanier Public School, Jessie Hamilton Public School and R.H. Murray Public School will be consolidated into a new JK to Grade 6 green school offering English and French immersion programs.

Council has also asked that the Naughton boundary be maintained and that Copper Cliff Public School remain open and continue to be a feeder school for Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School and Lockerby Composite School.

Council has recommend to the board that Warren Central Public School be closed effective September 2008 and that students be included in the program of revitalization at Markstay Public School.

The board will hear public input related to the accommodation review for all of the above schools at its regular meeting on Jan. 21 at 6:30 pm, in council chambers at Tom Davies Square.

Public presentations must be made in accordance with board bylaws, which are available at www.rainbowschools.ca/boardroom/delegations.php

A final decision regarding the accommodation of students at all these schools will be made at the board meeting Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 pm. This meeting will take place in the auditorium at Lockerby Composite School.