Administrative Review Of Blyth Public School Closure Completed

December 4, 2009 4:00 PM

McGuinty Government Accepts Independent Facilitator's Report

Independent facilitator Margaret Wilson's report states that Avon Maitland District School Board did follow its locally developed accommodation review process in closing Blyth Public School. 

The Ministry of Education approved the community's request for an administrative review of the board's process in September 2009 and now accepts the facilitator's report.

Wilson, a former registrar and CEO of the Ontario College of Teachers, consulted with the local accommodation review committee, 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. 


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.
  • Margaret Wilson has extensive experience in the education sector, including 17 years as a classroom teacher, over 20 years in senior executive positions at teacher federations and education organizations. In addition, she has served on many Ministry of Education committees and task forces.

Learn More


Contacts

  • Gary Wheeler
    Communications Branch
    416-325-2454
    gary.s.wheeler@nullontario.ca
  • Greg MacNeil
    Minister's Office
    416-325-0122
    greg.macneil@nullontario.ca

Ministry of Education
ontario.ca/education