News Release


Administrative Review Completed At Thames Valley District School Board

Ministry of Education Accepts Independent Facilitator's Report

February 13, 2009

The Ministry of Education accepts independent facilitator Dave Cooke's report examining the accommodation review processes for two elementary schools of the Thames Valley District School Board.

The report states that the board did follow its locally developed accommodation review processes for Northdale Public School in London and Prince Andrew Public School in Denfield.

The ministry approved the request for an administrative review of the board's process. Cooke, a former Ontario Education Minister, consulted with the local accommodation review committees, the school board and people who participated in the process.

Decisions about student accommodations – including school closures – are the responsibility of locally elected school boards. Boards were required to develop accommodation review processes that comply with the government's Pupil Accommodation Review Guideline, which emphasizes consultation, transparency and local accountability. Administrative reviews help communities and boards fulfill those core principles.

Quotes

"I want to thank everyone who co-operated with Mr. Cooke in this review," said Education Minister Kathleen Wynne. "Public education is a partnership with parents and the community, it is clear the board respects this partnership and takes its responsibility to students seriously."

"While I believe the process and policy can be improved, I have concluded that the board did follow its Accommodation Review Policy," said Cooke in his report." With a continued focus on equitable access to programs and up-to-date facilities, I am sure the students of the Thames Valley District School Board will receive a great public education."

Quick Facts

  • The ministry's Pupil Accommodation Review Guideline mandates minimum timelines for consultation and an evaluation process based on the value of a school to its students and the community.
  • The guideline helps direct boards during pupil accommodation reviews, which are required in most circumstances when a school closure is considered.
  • The ministry has no authority to overturn school closure decisions or delay their implementation.
  • Dave Cooke has performed other independent reviews of school closure processes, providing valuable feedback to school boards, communities and the ministry.

Learn More

Read Dave Cooke's Thames Valley District School Board full report.

Learn more about the Pupil Accommodation Review Guideline and the review process.