Declining Enrolment Working Group

• Overview of the Declining Enrolment Working Group
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Discussion Questions for the Declining Enrolment Working Group

Overview of the Declining Enrolment Working Group

Most provinces in Canada are affected by the decline in the number of school-aged children. Many Ontario school boards have also experienced changing demographics:

• Between 2002-03 and 2007-08, total average daily enrolment in Ontario's elementary and secondary schools has declined by 68,000, or 3.4 per cent.
• In 2008-09, 60 out of 72 Ontario school boards are projected to have declining enrolment.

The McGuinty government has introduced a variety of measures to help boards adjust to declining enrolment while continuing to provide high quality education for students.

On May 30, the province established a Declining Enrolment Working Group, led by co-chairs Brant MPP Dave Levac and Eleanor Newman, Director of Education at Renfrew County District School Board.

The group will provide advice and recommendations on ways to help school boards better respond to declining enrolment. These include strategies and best practices that will help boards and schools deliver effective education programs and continue improving student achievement while adjusting to lower enrolment.

Consultation Update

On June 19, the Declining Enrolment Working Group co-chairs sent a letter to organizations in the education sector asking for input through written submissions. A series of Discussion Questions helped to guide these written submissions.

A final report with recommendations will be submitted to the Minister of Education by the end of the year.

Learn more about declining enrolment in Ontario and the Declining Enrolment Working Group's members, and see Frequently Asked Questions.

Comments are welcome and can be submitted by September 30th, 2008, to enrolmentgroup2008@ontario.ca or by mail at:

Declining Enrolment Working Group
77 Wellesley Street West, Box 238
Toronto, ON M7A 1N3