The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is asking for input from families as it prepares to open a new school on Horseshoe Valley Road in Oro-Medonte next fall.
To determine the attendance area for the new elementary school, which will be located at 739 Horseshoe Valley Rd. W., and to balance the enrolment at elementary schools in the area, the board will be conducting an attendance area review (AAR) which involves East Oro Public School, Forest Hill Public School, Guthrie Public School, W.R. Best Memorial Public School, Terry Fox Elementary School and West Bayfield Elementary School, explained a letter sent to families on Nov. 7 by superintendent of education Peter McLean.
Part of that process includes a presentation outlining the proposed attendance area for the new elementary school which highlights any potential impacts to those schools, he added.
Parents have been invited to view the presentation and then asked to provide input via an online survey through ThoughtExchange. Participants are asked to provide input by answering one key question, as well as to rank the thoughts and ideas added from other parents/guardians.
The goal of the AAR, according to the presentation, is to maximize walk zones, minimize busing, reduce accomodation pressures, ensure the new attendance area considers approved development applications, ensures school sites have adequate space for parking and portables for future growth review the placement of the French Immersion program.
It will also review the placement of county and district special education classes and accommodate students who live in 'holding areas'.
The survey will be open for input until Nov. 20, noted the letter, which also invited residents to attend a drop-in information session at Guthrie Public School on Nov. 12, from 6-7 p.m., where board staff will be on hand to answer address questions from parents/guardians.
A rendering of the new school, as well as maps of the proposed attendance areas, will also be on display.
Anyone with questions or in need of technical support regarding the online survey is asked to email [email protected].
For clarification on details related to the attendance area review, residents are asked to email [email protected].
