Rainbow staff recommend keeping magnet programs

Rainbow District School Board staff are recommending that the board's magnet programs be maintained.

Magnet programs include the Arts Education Program at Sudbury Secondary School, the Science Technology Education Program at Lockerby Composite School, the International Baccalaureate Program at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School and the Integrated Technology Program at Lively District Secondary School.

No matter where they live within the city, students have a chance to be bussed in to attend these programs.

The recommendations, presented at the board's Feb. 10 Strategic Planning Committee meeting, follow the findings of an in-depth review.

The review, carried out through the lens of student achievement and well-being, included a third party analysis of student achievement data and transportation costs as well as information gathered from principals, School Council Chairs, students and teachers.

Rationale for the recommendations indicated that the four magnet programs offer students choice through specialized programs that are distinct, respect student voice, provide more options and pathways for students, ensure program viability across the District, attract students from out of District and increase funding to the system as a whole.

Transportation to magnet programs ensures student choice, provides equity of access to specialized programs, attracts students out of district and results in additional funding that offsets the cost.

Staff also recommended that community schools continue to receive additional supports and that all schools with magnet programs review their mandates in keeping with their mission statement, set of core beliefs, student learning outcomes and admission requirements.

Additional supports recognizes the importance of community schools, ensures program viability and provides resources in response to needs. A review of mandates focuses on student learning outcomes, provides clarity and consistency, maintains program expectations, responds to evolving learning and teaching practices and focuses on continuous improvement through the lens of student achievement and well-being.

The report on magnet programs can be accessed online at rainbowschools.ca.

The public will have an opportunity to make presentations at the regular meeting of the Board Feb. 24 as well as the Strategic Planning Committee meeting March 10.

At this meeting, the Strategic Planning Committee may forward motions regarding the magnet programs to the Board for consideration. The motions will be considered at the Board meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2015.

In order to facilitate anyone wishing to make a presentation Feb. 24, the timeline requirements are being waived to allow applications in writing to the secretary of the board at least six calendar days prior to the meeting (by Feb. 18). A copy of the presentation is required by Feb. 20.

Anyone wishing to make a presentation March 10 shall apply in writing to the Secretary of the Board at least 16 calendar days prior to the meeting (by Feb. 23). A copy of the presentation is required no later than Feb. 26.