A positive outcome is in sight for a group of parents at Allenby Junior Public School who have been fighting to halt a boundary change that would force some students to change schools.
Last month the Ontario Ministry of Education approved in principle a decision to build a two-classroom addition to Allenby, which would relieve crowding brought on by the implementation of full-day kindergarten in fall 2014.
Toronto District School Board (TDSB) superintendent Jeff Hainbuch has emphasized that the approval is still not formal or final. “Going forward, there’s a number of regular approval processes with the Ministry as with any other capital project,” said Hainbuch. But he did say that all signs point to eventual approval. “The Ministry’s okayed this, and we will continue moving forward.”
He says that there is already a plan in place for the construction, which will be complete for fall 2014. “We’ve had a couple meetings with the architect that’s been hired.”
Parents in TDSB Ward 8, where Allenby is located, formed the Program Area Review Team earlier this year in reaction to the announcement that overcrowding could result in boundary changes. Allenby, the most crowded school, would have been the most affected, which was why parents like Lisa Spiegel advocated for building to take place.
“Everyone’s thrilled,” said Spiegel. “The community is staying together.” Though she understands that there are still steps to take before the building is approved, she considers this a victory. “I’d be shocked if it weren’t formally approved. We consider this a formal approval.”
However, Hainbuch says that, despite the relief, Allenby’s situation will still be precarious due to crowding.
“There are other measures that we’re putting in place, including restricting the optional attendance [for out-of-area students],” said Hainbuch. “It’s not going to solve all the problems.”
