Here's the notice that HDSB ran regarding the deadline for JK at Pineland...buried on page 16 of the Burlington Post a mere three days before the deadline -- the one and only day it ran. The notice does not indicate in any way that 15 children are needed nor does it indicate that without those 15 children, the program will cease to exist. It's merely a reminder. This means, the public was not getting the full story behind the notice -- no transparency.
Had there been 100% transparency the notice in the paper would have gone in a minimum of 3x -- in December immediately following the vote, in January and a final push in February and the notice would have indicated the number of children required and the reason they were required, e.g., the program will cease to exist without the 15 kids registered. HDSB would also have tweeted it and put it on the home page, front and centre as NEWS (you know, the way the it was just done with the news of Director Euale's August retirement)...
To deny the existing 12 kids entry into their home school is absurd and discriminatory. A class of 12 is absolutely enough to run a JK class, considering small English split classes are going on all around Halton in our dual track schools. For instance, as just one example in 2013 there was a grade one/grade two split of 11 kids at EW Foster in Milton (see attached).
To deny the existing 12 kids entry into their home school is absurd and discriminatory. A class of 12 is absolutely enough to run a JK class, considering small English split classes are going on all around Halton in our dual track schools. For instance, as just one example in 2013 there was a grade one/grade two split of 11 kids at EW Foster in Milton (see attached).
Why is 11 kids spread over two grades deemed sufficient (though far from ideal) at that school, but 12 kids in one grade at Pineland is not? Is it because the English track is more valued by the Milton trustees and there has been a concerted effort to "save" English track there? We certainly have our opinion, but we'd like to know your reasons.
No transparency, random numbers, and inconsistent procedures on your part equals children who are not welcome at their home school. This is shameful.
We respectfully remind you of these quotes from the 2013 document School Boards Matter, Report of the Pan-Canadian Study of School District Governance:
No transparency, random numbers, and inconsistent procedures on your part equals children who are not welcome at their home school. This is shameful.
We respectfully remind you of these quotes from the 2013 document School Boards Matter, Report of the Pan-Canadian Study of School District Governance:
"The observation that many school districts and trustees are underutilizing emerging information and communications technologies signals a need for boards to become more proactive and innovative in connecting with schools and the community."
"...exemplary school board members serve as ombudsmen, stewards of local interests, and mediators between government and the local community. They have first-hand experience with community priorities and values, advocate for their respective regions, and lobby to acquire educational services and resources that constituents feel are needed. To maintain this level of connection with their communities, they strive constantly to ensure high-quality communication networks."