Parents rally against OCDSB's restructuring plan

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is facing growing criticism from parents over its proposed school restructuring plan. The board will hold a special meeting Wednesday night to hear concerns from parents and teachers. This is the second meeting focused on the plan, which many view as controversial. Many parents, like Maria Garrett, are worried about how the changes will affect their families. Garrett chose her home in part because it is close to Knoxdale Public School. The plan would move her children to Manordale Public School, which is significantly farther away. This could interrupt their daily routine of walking to school and create new traffic issues. The OCDSB's plan aims to increase French immersion and English offerings at schools. However, this has raised questions about school capacity. For example, Manordale is expected to be over capacity, while nearby schools like Knoxdale and Briargreen would be underused. Parents are pushing back against the logic of moving students when some schools will remain partly empty. In addition to concerns about school logistics, parents are also asking the board to delay the voting process on the changes. They highlight the board's ongoing financial struggles, including the need to cut jobs. Many parents have expressed their frustration over the process feeling rushed and not fully considering community needs. The board's director of education acknowledges the concerns and has indicated that some aspects of the plan may be reconsidered. Trustees are expected to vote on the plan next month, and parents hope their voices will lead to changes.