Ottawa Schools Face Changes as New Year Approaches

As the new school year begins, Ottawa parents are navigating significant changes affecting their children’s education. The Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is undergoing a provincial review that has placed it under the supervision of Robert Plamondon, who was appointed to oversee the board’s operations. This decision, announced on June 27, is part of a broader effort to stabilize financial management and ensure the viability of local schools.

Elementary Program Review and School Changes

The Elementary Program Review, initiated last fall, aimed to return students to their neighbourhood schools while addressing boundary changes. Originally scheduled for ratification last year, the plan gained approval only in May 2023. The board’s trustees voted to implement a “grandparenting” policy, allowing students to remain in their current schools as long as space permits. Changes to school boundaries are set to be rolled out starting in September 2026.

Plamondon, who has not provided extensive details about his plans, assured parents on July 23 that no students would be forced to change schools before the 2025-2026 academic year. Emma Testani, press secretary for Education Minister Paul Calandra, indicated that Plamondon is focused on restoring the board’s financial health and reviewing the ongoing program changes.

Under provincial supervision, decisions traditionally made by trustees are now the responsibility of Plamondon. He has committed to maintaining open communication with parents, inviting them to reach out directly via email at [email protected].

Transportation and Childcare Challenges

Transportation issues have also emerged as a concern for families. The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) has stated that while it does not anticipate long-term bus cancellations, short-term disruptions may still occur. General manager Stacey Kay emphasized the importance of improving service reliability while addressing staffing shortages that have plagued the system.

In addition to transportation, many families are grappling with a lack of available before and after-school care. As of August 21, there were 1,005 children on waitlists for licensed programs within OCDSB schools. This shortage of spaces is attributed to a widespread lack of early childhood educators across the province.

Changes to public transit fares are also affecting families. Starting September 1, the youth monthly pass will be eliminated, with those aged 11 to 19 facing a full adult fare of $135. This increase is projected to raise OSTA’s public transit budget by $4.8 million for the upcoming year.

New School Openings and Curriculum Changes

In a positive development, two new schools are set to open in Ottawa this year. The Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario has launched école élémentaire publique Des Visionnaires in Barrhaven, which can accommodate 475 students. Meanwhile, the OCDSB is opening Riverside South Secondary School, which will serve Grades 7 to 10 this year, with additional grades added in subsequent years.

Changes to the curriculum, initially scheduled for implementation this September, have been postponed. Minister Calandra announced that revisions will be delayed to ensure consistency across Ontario’s educational framework. This includes a new focus on foundational literacy and numeracy in early grades and mandatory topics in Canadian history for higher grades.

As the school year kicks off, Ottawa families are urged to prepare for these adjustments, ensuring they are well-informed about the evolving educational landscape. The changes being made reflect broader efforts to enhance the quality and accessibility of education in the region.